Grid capacity ‘risks’ Cornwall’s energy potential

Cornwall Council has warned that the area’s renewable energy potential is at risk if it is unable to properly access the electricity grid.

It has been written to the government highlighting the energy that floating offshore wind, geothermal and solar Cornwall can produce.

The authority said the lack of capacity and slow speed of the grid is “significantly impacting” growth in renewables locally.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it would work with industry to upgrade national transmission infrastructure.

About 37% of Cornwall’s electricity is currently generated from renewable sources and the council hoped to increase this further through its Local Area Energy Plan.

In its letter to the government, it has asked for more support for Cornwall so it can help the government reach its target of de-carbonising the energy sector by 2030.

Martin Alvey in front of protesters — Martin Alvey said Cornwall wanted to work with the government to achieve its net zero targets (BBC)

Councilor Martin Alvey, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “The capacity of the energy network is the single biggest risk to growth in Cornwall, affecting numerous sectors.

“We would welcome the opportunity to work with government, the new mission control center and Great British Energy to support Labour’s growth and clean energy missions.”

Earlier this year, a report by a committee of MPs highlighted similar challenges.

The Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband has stressed Cornwall can play an “incredibly important” role in the push for net zero.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “We are implementing our long-term plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

“The capacity of Britain’s electricity grid has become the single biggest obstacle to the deployment of cheap, clean power generation and the electrification of industry.

“We will work with industry to upgrade our national transmission infrastructure and rewire Britain.”

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