The Importance of Integrating Natural Elements in Modern Energy Infrastructure - Focus on GB Energy
The Great British Energy Act, which formally became law on 15 May 2025, has been established to create a publicly-owned and operationally independent energy company. However, the Act does not currently include a specific duty for nature and nature recovery or directly incorporate the Environment Act targets within its framework.
As the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) prepares to publish detailed statements and framework documents in 2025, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting clarification on how environmental and nature recovery duties will be integrated into energy policies. At present, there is no explicit reference to such duties or environmental target contributions in the Act's published framework or parliamentary discussions.
The Wildlife Trusts, a prominent environmental organisation, have expressed concerns about the lack of alignment between the Great British Energy Act and their key environmental demands. They are advocating for legally binding duties on nature protection and recovery in energy legislation, as well as for energy projects to contribute measurably to Environment Act targets.
Rupert Masefield, Planning & Advocacy Manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, has emphasised the need for the Great British Energy Bill to include a nature recovery duty for GB Energy to contribute to biodiversity targets. The Wildlife Trusts are also developing specific areas to discuss with GB Energy, including onshore and offshore issues.
One notable project that has raised concerns is the Sunnica Energy Farm, a 2,500-acre solar farm on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border, which has been approved. While the project involved collaboration with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, Natural England, and local authorities to protect and increase nature, concerns about impacts to priority habitats and associated species have been raised.
Another project, the Norwich to Tilbury project, has sparked concerns about the crossing of the River Waveney, which may impact nature recovery at the Waveney and Little Ouse Recovery Project. The proposed landfall location for Sea Link at Leiston-Aldeburgh SSSI also risks significant impacts to protected wildlife and habitats, including the RSPB's North Warren reserve.
The Wildlife Trusts, including the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT) and local Wildlife Trusts, are pushing to ensure that GB Energy delivers a positive difference for nature alongside reaching net zero. They believe that the new Government's energy policies must reflect the intrinsic links between climate and biodiversity, making nature recovery a core principle of new energy growth.
GB Energy's remit includes developing clean energy projects, investing in and owning renewable energy projects, incentivising local power, building clean energy supply chains, and working with Great British Nuclear to deliver new nuclear projects. As the company moves forward with its plans, the focus will be on balancing energy production with environmental concerns to ensure a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
As the DESNZ publishes its strategy and framework documents, stakeholders will be closely monitoring any commitments or mechanisms addressing these environmental priorities. The Wildlife Trusts, along with other environmental organisations, will continue to advocate for a collaborative approach where nationally significant projects deliver nationally significant benefits for biodiversity, supporting ecosystem services and benefits for people.
References: [1] Great British Energy Act, 2025 [2] Parliamentary debates on the Great British Energy Act, 2025 [3] DESNZ publications and framework documents, 2025 (pending)
- The Great British Energy Act, currently lacking a duty for nature and nature recovery, has sparked concern from environmental groups like The Wildlife Trusts.
- These organisations are advocating for legally binding duties on nature protection and recovery in energy legislation, with measurable contributions to Environment Act targets.
- Rupert Masefield, from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, has emphasised the need for GB Energy to include a nature recovery duty for contributing to biodiversity targets.
- Concerns have been raised over projects like the Sunnica Energy Farm and the Norwich to Tilbury project, which may potentially harm priority habitats and associated species.
- The Wildlife Trusts are pushing for GB Energy to make a positive difference for nature while achieving net zero, recognizing the intrinsic links between climate and biodiversity.
- The new Government's energy policies should reflect this, making nature recovery a core principle of new energy growth.
- As GB Energy moves forward with clean energy projects, investments, and collaborations, balancing energy production with environmental concerns will be crucial to ensure a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
- Stakeholders will closely monitor the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's strategy and framework documents for any commitments or mechanisms addressing environmental priorities, with organisations like The Wildlife Trusts continuing their advocacy for a collaborative approach.
