Hundreds of new electricity pylons and thousands of miles of overhead cables are to be built across the UK, bypassing the local planning system, according to reports. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says the new infrastructure is needed so the UK can reduce its carbon footprint to net zero by 2035, reports the Telegraph.
The structures and cables will be used to carry electricity generated by wind farms - as they increase from generating 14GW of power to 50GW. The National Grid will face increased demand as new petrol and diesel cars are banned - meaning everyone has to charge their cars at home. It is estimated the country's electricity use will increase by 50%.
Grant Shapps, the Energy Security Secretary, is said to be in support of plans submitted by National Grid that would shortcut the current planning system for installing new pylons and cables. That can currently take seven years.
