CPRE Is Calling for a Review of the UK Solar Energy Policy

The charitable organization CPRE, which focuses on rural development, is urging the UK government to review its solar energy policy. Primarily, this concerns the locations where these facilities are being built. But why is this so important, and what could happen if the government ignores this call?

The Main Source: Solar expansion jeopardising UK food production

Why the UK Must Review Its Solar Energy Policy

The reason behind this appeal is the construction of solar farms on agricultural land. According to statistics, over 59% of solar farms in the UK have been built on land previously used for agriculture. Additionally, 31% of these solar stations are located on land classified as “best and most versatile” for farming. This could lead to a crisis in food production, as land is already scarce in the UK. Continuing the current government policy on solar development could worsen the situation, limiting the nation’s ability to produce enough food domestically.

How Does CPRE Propose to Solve This Problem?

To address this issue, the organization proposes shifting solar farm development to rooftops. This mainly concerns private houses and car parks. According to their data, this approach could deliver:

• An additional 40–50 MW of solar generation by 2035,
• And 117 MW more by 2050.

At the same time, this strategy aligns well with the government’s program to expand solar energy production and achieve the Net Zero Target. Fencyx, as one of the leaders in the UK building industry, supports the proposal to install solar panels on rooftops. This approach will not only preserve agricultural land but also increase the autonomy of buildings through decentralized energy supply.

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