Asked by: Lord Cromwell (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government when an operator of a solar energy project abandons a site in the UK, whether the cost of decommissioning the site falls solely on the owner of the site.
Answered by Lord Whitehead
Developers – not landowners – are responsible for meeting decommissioning costs. Planning conditions typically require a site to be returned to its previous use after its period of operation.
In the event that the developer no longer exists to fulfil its duties, planning authorities may serve notices on interested parties to enforce decommissioning requirements.
These risks can be reallocated through negotiation of securities or guarantees during the leasing process.
Asked by: Lord Cromwell (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a legal requirement for operators of solar energy projects to establish in advance financial provision, which is both monitored and regularly updated, by means of a performance bond, insurance bond or independently run fund for decommissioning solar sites should the operator depart for any reason and leave the equipment on site.
Answered by Lord Whitehead
The Government has no plans to introduce such a requirement. Planning conditions typically require developers to return the site to its previous use after its term of operation.
Securities and guarantees to cover decommissioning costs in the event of developer default are left for negotiation between landlords and their tenants.
Asked by: Lord Cromwell (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the average environmental cost of producing and installing a power pylon within the range of 36 to 190 metres in height, including a breakdown of the costs of the materials for the bases required to support these pylons.
Answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
The Government does not hold data on the average monetary or environmental cost of producing and installing an electricity pylon. Such assessments are undertaken by the relevant planning applicant and considered as part of the decision-making process by the Secretary of State. A wide range of context specific, qualitative and quantitative factors determine said value.
The environmental impact of proposed pylon developments is assessed on a scheme-by-scheme basis with the method, content and scope of assessment dependent on the likely significance of the proposed scheme’s environmental impact based on its size, nature, location and the relevant legislative and policy frameworks.