UK Government Rules Out Underground Cabling in Push for 2030 Clean Power

Officials stress the need for new pylons and wind farms, while assuring communities they will not 'carpet the countryside'.

Chris Stark, head of the government's clean energy mission, emphasizes the necessity of new infrastructure to achieve the 2030 clean power goal.
National Grid's plan includes 17 major projects, featuring hundreds of miles of new pylons and the doubling of onshore wind capacity.
Communities affected by new infrastructure will be offered benefits, and public consent will be sought, though some projects may receive 'special treatment'.
Underground cabling has been ruled out due to high costs and extended timelines, despite calls from campaigners.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has lifted a ban on onshore wind and approved several large-scale solar projects as part of the clean energy strategy.