Supporter of more electricity pylons to head net zero watchdog

Emma Pinchbeck
Emma Pinchbeck is to switch from her energy job to chief executive of the climate change committee - Jordan Pettitt/PA

An energy boss who has backed the need for more electricity pylons is to become the chief executive of the Government’s net zero watchdog.

Emma Pinchbeck, of the trade body Energy UK, will take over as chief executive of the climate change committee (CCC) next month.

The energy chief has argued that massive amounts of new infrastructure will be needed to transport renewable power across the country to meet the Government’s net zero targets.

She has also described the return of onshore wind as “delightful”, after Ed Miliband ended the de facto ban in his first days as Energy Secretary.

Several communities in England are engaged in planning battles with the National Grid over new pylons, including more than 100 miles of cables in East Anglia.

Councils in Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are threatening to launch a High Court challenge to block Mr Miliband’s plans, arguing that the rollout will disproportionately affect their countryside, scare off tourists and ruin farmland.

It comes after the Energy Secretary recently vowed to “take on the blockers” who oppose the Government’s clean energy proposals, claiming that defeating Nimbys on net zero was a matter of “national security”.

electricity pylons
Several communities are unhappy at National Grid plans to build new electricity pylons - Gareth Fuller/PA

Ms Pinchbeck has also said that it is important to have a national conversation about the trade-offs between the need for green energy and the impact on the landscape.

But she has said putting cables underground or offshore would be vastly more expensive than running them overhead with new pylons.

In August, she told The Guardian that while underground or offshore options would provide a “benefit to that community aesthetically”, there would be an “extra cost for everyone else on the bills”.

In the same interview, she argued that adding steps in the planning process would slow down the roll out of new infrastructure.

As head of the committee, Ms Pinchbeck will oversee the publication of the Seventh Carbon Budget, which sets out how much the UK can emit to keep on track for its net zero goals.

The Government closely follows advice from the CCC on how to meet its statutory target to cut emissions to net zero by 2050, although it is not legally bound by it.

Chris Stark, the former chief executive of the CCC, is now leading Mr Miliband’s push for a green grid by 2030, a target that many in the industry have suggested is unachievable.

Ms Pinchbeck said: “I take the opportunity to influence the UK’s progress on reducing emissions incredibly seriously, and to support the Government make this transition in the way that most benefits people and the economy.

“You can expect the CCC to have much to say about this going forward.”

Commenting on her appointment, Mr Miliband said: “Emma’s extensive experience brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by industry, underscoring how the economics of clean energy are now aligned with climate policy, driving both environmental protection and economic growth.”