Meeting energy needs in an environmental way

One of the main priorities for the Coalition Government will be formulating an energy policy that both keeps the lights on and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. 

National Parks can contribute a range of green energy sources and help to spread messages to visitors and residents about conserving and wise use of energy.

Renewable energy

The landscapes and geography of National Parks make them ideal places for harnessing renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro, as long as they are of an appropriate size and scale to their surroundings. CNP campaigns to encourage sensitively sited renewable energy projects within the Parks.

There are many examples of green energy projects within National Parks, often funded by the Sustainable Development Fund (find out more). National Park Societies can also play an important role, for example the Friends of the Peak District has explored the potential for hydro power within the Peak District (find out more)

However, National Parks are increasingly under threat from proposals for large scale wind energy developments just outside their boundaries that would have an impact on views into and out of the Parks.

Nuclear energy

The preferred sites for new nuclear power stations have been announced. Initially three sites were nominated in Cumbria – Sellafield (next to the current power station), Braystones (3km from the Lake District) and Kirksanton (300m from the Lake District).

CNP was delighted that, following a well fought campaign by CNP and partners, Braystones and Kirksanton were removed from this list. These developments could have had a major visual impact, both individually and cumulatively. CNP will be going through any forthcoming applications with a fine toothcomb.

Pylons and wires and lines

Electricity is transported from where it is generated to the end user by a combination of pylons and overhead lines – the national grid. CNP campaigns for no new power lines within National Parks unless they are placed underground. We recently successfully campaigned for industry regulator Ofgem to continue its funding allowance for electricity companies to underground visually intrusive existing power lines within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This has proved a great success in several designated areas. 

The North Wales connection project for a new nuclear power station at Wylfa and offshore wind developments could require new and strengthened power lines to connect with the national grid. This could have a major impact on the Snowdonia National Park. CNP is campaigning for an alternative sub-sea route and for any lines that do need to go through the National Park to be placed underground. CNP campaigns on undergrounding power lines in partnership with several NGO and local group partners.