Private sector investment in the renewables projects Britain needs to deliver its ambitions of decarbonising the power sector is at risk due to a lack of clarity over long-term policy on electricity licence exemptions, an expert has said.
In this context, Chang said industry had been hoping that the government would set out formal proposals for reform in its summary of responses paper. However, instead, the government has only said it would “consider representations received … with a view to possible options for change to exemptions guidance, policy and/or legislation to reflect respondents’ views and concerns” and that it “will also consider views given in meetings and other contacts with stakeholders”.
No timeframe has been indicated for when options for reform might be consulted on in more detail.
“The government’s publication of the summary of responses to its call for evidence is perhaps a missed opportunity,” said Chang. “Despite the fact that the market has waited nearly three years to see how government intends to reform the Order so that it is fit for purpose, no concrete proposals have been put forward. In the meantime, projects must continue to grapple with the complexities of the Order, which has been described by some as opaque and difficult to interpret. It is hoped that the continued uncertainty in relation to the enduring regulatory framework will not put off investment.”