cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/19593742

Nearly 620 miles (1,000km) of new power lines need to be built to meet the government’s clean energy plans, official energy planners have concluded.

In a report, the body in charge of linking new projects to the grid said Labour’s target to decarbonise electricity by 2030 was “achievable” but a “huge challenge”.

It will warn that infrastructure for the electricity network will need to be built much faster than it has been over the last decade to meet the pledge.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said ministers were committed to “significant reforms” of the planning system to speed up new connections.