Only 1% - New Framework Shows How Little Land England Needs for Clean Energy
This week the Guardian today reported on the government’s long-awaited 'Land Use Framework'. It confirms that England is preparing for a more strategic approach to how land is managed for food production, nature restoration, housing and clean energy.
One of the most significant details is that only around 1% of England’s land will be needed for renewable energy infrastructure, and much of that can still be used for activities such as livestock grazing alongside solar generation. This reinforces what those of us in the renewables industry have said for years - that solar and clean energy systems require very little land and can comfortably coexist with farming and ecology.
From our perspective, this is a positive sign of how renewables fit into the wider national picture. It shows that solar and battery storage do not compete with food production or nature recovery. Instead, they are being recognised as part of a joined-up approach that allows land to support multiple purposes at once. This matches what we are already seeing on the ground, with many solar sites boosting biodiversity and soil health while still supporting agricultural use.
Another part of the reporting that stands out is the proposal to remove major paywalls from the Land Registry. For years it has been incredibly difficult to identify land ownership, even for government departments. Improving access to ownership data should make it far easier for landowners, councils and renewable energy developers to plan ahead and collaborate with clarity. It removes a major source of friction in land-based projects and should help speed up decision making and reduce delays.
The wider policy message is clear, land in England is under pressure from many directions including housing need, food production, flood management, nature recovery and the shift to clean energy. Instead of treating these goals as competing interests, the new framework encourages a more thoughtful and integrated approach. For example, the government has spoken about directing development away from areas that regularly flood and restoring landscapes such as peatlands and river corridors where they can deliver the greatest environmental benefit. Renewable energy fits neatly into this vision, providing low carbon power while using very little land and supporting environmental aims.
For farmers, landowners and commercial organisations, the implications are encouraging. Solar remains one of the most land efficient ways to generate clean energy. Battery storage provides resilience at a time when energy markets are unpredictable. And many sites can deliver income, biodiversity gains and energy savings at the same time. Mixed use sites are already proving effective, with sheep grazing under panels or pollinator friendly planting helping to support soil and ecological health.
Our own commercial projects across agriculture, manufacturing, education and hospitality show how renewables can reduce long term energy costs, strengthen business resilience and cut carbon footprints. These case studies can be explored here:https://www.eastgreenenergy.co.uk/commercial
As the new framework begins to take shape, opportunities for well designed, well-sited renewable energy projects are likely to increase. The policy direction recognises that clean energy, nature recovery and food production can all advance together when planned intelligently. It is a significant and welcome shift.
