Wind farms to be built next to railway lines under Labour plan

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said Great British Energy will work with public bodies to place wind turbines and solar panels on publicly owned land, including railway land, and the government said the programme could unlock up to 10 gigawatts of capacity.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced a programme to develop wind turbines and solar panels on publicly owned land, including railway lines, military bases and other state sites. The plan is intended to speed up renewable construction and expand net zero infrastructure on the public estate. State-owned Great British Energy will work with the Ministry of Defence, Network Rail and Forestry England on the projects. Ministers said the initiative could unlock up to 10 gigawatts of generating capacity. Key facts: - Great British Energy will partner with the Ministry of Defence, Network Rail and Forestry England to build on brownfield land, industrial sites and railway sites. - The government said the proposals could unlock up to 10 gigawatts of capacity, which it said would be enough to power about five million homes. - Planning rules would be loosened for electric vehicle charge points and some grid infrastructure, and large electricity substations may be allowed without planning applications. - Mr Miliband rejected criticism that the programme is "too far and too fast" and framed the shift as a response to recent fossil fuel supply pressures. - The announcement is reported to have prompted some rural opposition and debate over domestic oil and gas production. Summary: The proposals would increase the use of public land for renewable energy and are described by ministers as a way to boost Britain’s clean generation capacity. Officials also signalled possible changes to how projects are funded, including moves toward fixed-price contracts for difference. Undetermined at this time how quickly specific projects will move forward amid reported local opposition and wider political debate.