Michael Shanks

Built World

Minister at the department that granted consent

National Grid won development consent on 30 October for Sea Link, a 2-gigawatt cable running about 138 kilometres under the sea between Suffolk and Kent. Construction is due to start in early 2027 and finish by 2031.

Updated Nov 2

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Confirmed no successor subsidy scheme

Energy Minister Michael Shanks confirmed on September 1 that the government will not offer successor subsidies for small-scale biomass generators as Renewables Obligation (RO) support expires. The category covers plants under 100 megawatts, including dedicated biomass, anaerobic digestion, sewage gas, and energy-from-waste facilities; support phases out from 2027 through 2037.

Updated Sep 9