Key Takeaways from the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
After reading the Action Plan, it’s difficult not to feel optimistic about the future of Clean Energy in the UK. If the government can implement all what they’ve outlined, we’ve a chance at a future where the UK's energy needs are met by clean, homegrown sources, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and shielding us from the volatility of global energy markets.
The forewords by the Secretary of State, Ed Miliband, and the Head of Clean Power 2030, Chris Stark, set the tone for this ambitious plan. They highlight the urgency of transitioning to clean energy, not just for the much-needed environmental reasons, but also for national security and economic growth. Miliband emphasises the need to break free from the grip of global fossil fuel markets, while Stark underscores the importance of a rapid and decisive shift towards renewables.
Image Source: Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
Image Source: Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
In this article, we highlight the key takeaways from the 137-page Action Plan, to give you, the reader, a bite-size article that demystifies the UK's clean energy strategy and empowers you to contribute to a sustainable future.
A Transformative Shift Towards Clean Energy
The plan’s key objective is to significantly increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar power. By 2030, the government aims to have 43-50 GW of offshore wind, 27-29 GW of onshore wind, and 45-47 GW of solar power installed, a move that will drastically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. (Page 29)
They have, however, highlighted that there could be periods where renewable energy won’t be able to meet our usage demands. In these cases, around autumn and winter, a back up of low-carbon technologies such as liquid air energy storage (LAES) can be used. Unabated gas generation will still be on the cards, but only as a back-up, rather than the daily generation we see today.
Image Source: The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
On another note, we're particularly excited about the focus on consumer-led flexibility. This is where consumers can shift their energy usage to an off-peak time for cheaper rates. The plan outlines measures to empower consumers to take control of their energy usage, shifting their demand to times when electricity is cheaper or greener. This not only helps individuals and businesses save money but also contributes to a more balanced and efficient energy system.
“Consumer-led flexibility also reduces Britain’s aggregate electricity use at peak demand periods, thereby minimising the amount of generation and associated network that needs to be built to meet peak demand. It can therefore help Britain to reach clean power in a cost-effective way with reduced large infrastructure delivery risk.”
The plan also reports that those taking up the flexibility offer were the consumers more informed on energy. As it is a voluntary programme to get on, there’s still some work to be done to educate the masses on the benefits of taking part in these programmes.
Image Source: The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
Embracing Flexibility for a Resilient Energy System
Investing in renewable energy sources is one thing, but making a resilient energy system requires flexibility and reliability. The plan acknowledges this, setting ambitious targets for the development of technologies such as battery storage. Currently, the UK has 4.5GW of battery storage capacity, which falls quite low on the expected requirement of 23-27GW needed for 2030.
The plan outlines the hurdles of implementing batteries, such as grid connections, planning and affordability for consumers. The actions they set out here to deal with the hurdles use words like ‘consider’ and ‘consult’, making it clear that it’s still going to be a while before we have anything concrete when it comes to batteries.
However, these technologies will play a crucial role in ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply, even during periods of low renewable generation. (Page 96)
Removing Roadblocks and Accelerating Progress
The plan identifies key roadblocks to the rapid deployment of clean energy infrastructure and outlines measures to address them.
Image Source: Getty Images
One of the major challenges is the slow pace of planning and consenting processes. The plan acknowledges this and outlines a range of reforms aimed at streamlining the process and ensuring that critical projects can proceed without unnecessary delays. These reforms include:
Equipping Planning Organisations: The government will provide tools and resources to planning organisations like the Planning Inspectorate and local planning authorities to speed up their processes for clean energy projects.
Workforce Enhancement: They will also implement workforce reforms, including training and career development, within these organisations to better handle the expected increase in clean power projects.
National Policy Updates: The government will update its National Policy Statements for Energy and Planning Policy Guidance in 2025 to align with the Clean Power 2030 goals.
Legislative Reform: A new Planning and Infrastructure Bill will be introduced to streamline the process for delivering critical infrastructure projects. This includes reforming the electricity infrastructure consenting process in Scotland.
Environmental Protection: The government will ensure environmental protection is embedded in the Clean Power 2030 plan, including establishing Marine Recovery Funds for offshore wind projects and promoting nature recovery alongside development.
Community Benefits: The government will ensure that communities hosting clean energy infrastructure directly benefit, building on existing approaches and encouraging consistency in community benefits across different technologies.
Collaboration with Devolved Governments: The government will work closely with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, which have already implemented planning reforms, to further accelerate the process for clean power projects.
A Collaborative Approach to a Clean Energy Future
The plan emphasises the importance of collaboration between the government, industry, and the public to achieve our shared clean energy goals. They have set out key industries that they will be working closely with to achieve Clean Power by 2030 which include:
The Private Sector Industry
Ofgem
The National Energy System Operator (NESO)
Distribution Network Operators. (DNOs)
Transmission Operators
Public finance institutions
At Oak Network, we're proud to be part of this collaborative effort. We're committed to working with our clients and partners to help them navigate the changing energy landscape and optimise their energy usage for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Projects Underway
It’s easy to see governmental plans, as just that, plans. But we feel it’s necessary to shine a light on some of the projects already underway in the venture to Clean Power 2030, and Net Zero 2050.
Net Zero Teesside:
The Net Zero Teesside project is a pioneering initiative that embodies the UK's commitment to developing and deploying innovative clean energy technologies. As the world's first at-scale gas power plant with carbon capture, it's set to supply clean electricity to approximately one million homes.
Beyond providing clean energy, the project is expected to:
Create thousands of jobs: The construction and operation of the plant will directly support an average of 2,000 jobs in the North East, contributing to the government's mission to revitalise industrial regions.
Boost economic growth: The project is a significant investment in the region's infrastructure, attracting further investment and stimulating economic activity.
Accelerate the UK's carbon capture industry: The groundbreaking deals signed for Net Zero Teesside mark the start of the UK's carbon capture industry, with construction set to begin in 2025.
This project is a testament to the government's commitment to achieving Clean Power 2030 and its potential to transform the UK's energy landscape.
Great British Energy:
Image Source: Great British Energy
The establishment of Great British Energy, a new publicly owned energy company, marks a significant step in the UK's journey towards clean power. This company is designed to play a pivotal role in:
Driving clean energy deployment: Great British Energy will lead and co-lead clean energy projects, accelerating their development and ensuring timely completion.
Creating jobs: By investing in and developing clean energy infrastructure, Great British Energy will create employment opportunities across the UK.
Sharing benefits across the UK: Great British Energy will operate across all four nations, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition are distributed throughout the UK while respecting devolution settlements.
Empowering local communities: Great British Energy will support the Local Power Plan, putting local authorities and communities at the heart of the energy transition.
Great British Energy is not just an energy company; it's a symbol of the UK's commitment to a clean energy future, ensuring energy security, economic growth, and a more sustainable energy system for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan is a bold and ambitious plan that sets the stage for a brighter future for the UK's energy landscape.
It's a future where our energy needs are met by clean, homegrown sources, where consumers are empowered to take control of their energy usage, and where the UK is a global leader in the clean energy revolution.
At Oak Network, we're excited to be part of this journey. We're committed to helping our clients and partners make the most of the opportunities presented by the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, reducing their energy consumption, optimising their energy usage, and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
