Legal regulations related to solar power generation industry

Can solar power help decarbonise the UK energy sector?

Co-written by Matthew Fox and Toby Yeates of Pinsent Masons. The central role envisaged for solar power generation in supporting the decarbonisation of the UK energy sector is reflected in a draft revised planning policy designed to shape decision making on major renewable energy projects.

Should solar farms have public rights of way?

Whilst the additional policy provided in relation to public rights of way acknowledges the potential impacts that large-scale solar development may have on such routes, it is often the case that landowners will agree to permissive paths being created for the operation of the solar farm but not the adoption of public rights of way.

What are the energy NPS changes in 2021?

In autumn 2021, it embarked on a review of the energy NPSs and proposed amendments to five of the six existing policies – including its overarching energy NPS, EN-1, and EN-3 which applies to renewables NSIPs.

Can solar projects be promoted under the NPS?

This has meant that, while utility scale solar projects have been able to be promoted under the NPS for energy infrastructure, developers have had to follow a more protracted route to gaining planning permission: developers have had to rely on the general policy support within EN-1 for their solar projects.

What is the Energy Act 2013?

The Energy Act 2013 supplements the Electricity Act and the Utilities Act 2000, which provide a legal and regulatory framework for the wholesale electricity market generally in the UK. 3.2 Are there financial or regulatory incentives available to promote investment in/sale of utility-scale renewable power?

What is the Energy Act 2023?

Building on the Energy Act 2013, the Energy Act 2023 (Energy Act), which gained royal assent on 26 October 2023, serves to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon investments and technologies and safeguard and promote domestic energy supply. The key provisions include: