This manifesto for the future of the national electricity grid has been issued by CPRE, in conjunction with a wider alliance of countryside campaigners. It calls for a smart grid that has a reduced impact on the landscape, and to reduce the need for new grid infrastructure in the longer term.

CPRE's response supports the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as an interim technology, but not at the expense of investment in more sustainable renewable energy. We are concerned that new coal extraction will accelerate before CCS technology is available, diverting funds away from wave, tidal and offshore wind power, and commiting the UK to dirty coal for the next 40 years.

The purpose of this response by CPRE to the Communities and Local Government is to provide additional detail on how the National Planning Policy Framework should treat the issue of minerals planning.

This report sets out our concerns that the costs of underground high voltage cables may have been significantly overestimated, and conversely that of overhead lines underestimated, in industry calculations to date. We also believe that insufficient attention has been given to the amenity benefits of undergrounding, some of which have economic values.

Climate change is the most urgent and complex environmental issue we face today. The impact of both energy generation and use on the countryside and the climate is growing. CPRE believes the Government should prioritise measures to curb the growth in energy demand, encourage energy efficiency, promote a wider range of renewable technologies and ensure that new energy generation is lower carbon.

While wind energy can make an important contribution to tackling climate change, CPRE believes this should not come at the expense of the beauty, character and tranquillity of rural England. We assess wind turbine proposals for their potential impact on the landscape, taking account of their cumulative impact, and strongly resist those whose impact we consider to be unacceptable.

This report has examined the impacts of introducing a deposit refund system on the number and type of jobs involved in the collection and processing of beverage containers. From the combination of existing modelling and further research, the overall effect of the introduction of a scheme in the UK is predicted to lead to an increase in the number of jobs available by between 3,000 and 4,300 full-time-employees, depending on whether or not reprocessing jobs are included, as well as resulting in an overall increase in the number of higher-skilled jobs. The introduction of a scheme will therefore lead to an increase in green economy-based jobs.

This guide gives an overview of community based renewable energy options for rural community groups, local councils and individuals. It provides a starting point and signposts more detailed sources of advice, information and help for rural communities to get generating and take the next step in planning and delivering their own renewable energy developments.

Our research for a drinks container deposit scheme covering glass bottles, plastic bottles and cans shows it would cost little to set up, and would generate revenue to support most of its own running costs. The research demonstrates how a scheme would help the Government achieve a ‘Zero Waste’ economy by increasing recycling rates, and reducing litter.

Our research for a drinks container deposit scheme covering glass bottles, plastic bottles and cans shows it would cost little to set up, and would generate revenue to support most of its own running costs. The research demonstrates how a scheme would help the Government achieve a ‘Zero Waste’ economy by increasing recycling rates, and reducing litter.

This is a summary of the full report.