Around 1,300 clean-energy projects with planning permission are waiting to be built because of delays connecting them to the National Grid, the LGA has warned.
Councils are calling on the Government to step up the pace in connecting energy schemes to the grid, and to resource councils to develop local energy plans to share investments and develop local grids.
There has been a sharp increase in clean power schemes granted permission by councils in recent years, with the number doubling almost every year since 2018.
Local communities have agreed to more than 1,300 renewable energy schemes, but just 150 of these projects are currently under construction.
The solar schemes awaiting construction would alone generate around 15,000 megawatts a day, enough to power 1.9 million homes.
Challenges in connecting new energy power projects to the National Grid are often cited as being the main obstacle to getting projects off the ground.
For example, plans have been submitted for a solar farm in Coventry, but the earliest it can be connected to the grid is 2028.
Cllr Linda Taylor, the LGA’s Environment Spokesperson, said: “Our transition to a secure and sustainable future relies on continued growth in renewable energy.
“It’s fantastic to see a rapid rise in planning permissions for green energy projects. However, the numbers awaiting construction is concerning, with many pointing to delays in securing the grid infrastructure.”
