In its Clean Energy 2030 Action Plan, published on December 13, 2024, the UK government confirms that installed PV capacity in the UK will increase by around 30 GW by 2030, reaching a total of 45 to 47 GW. In addition, energy storage systems (BESS) will play a key role, with a five-fold increase planned to reach a capacity of 22 to 27 GW.
Main objectives and policies
Clean energy power: The government plans to achieve clean energy generation to meet total annual electricity demand by 2030, with gas supply only used when necessary.
Solar: the UK PV target has been set at 45-47 GW, based on advice from the National Electricity System Operator (NESO), although industry association Solar Energy UK believes the target is below the potential of the PV sector.
Energy storage: there are plans to expand long-duration storage to 4-6 GW and to further improve battery storage planning and environmental permitting rules.
Market reforms and incentives
Electricity market reforms: zonal pricing mechanisms may be introduced in the future, and capacity market reforms also include a pathway to support the conversion of undecarbonized gas-fired generation to hydrogen.
Contracts for Difference (CfD): the government plans to consult on extending contract periods from the current 15 years in early 2025 to attract more investors.
Planning approvals: the approval threshold for solar projects will be raised from 50 MW to 100 MW, similar to the rules for wind projects.
Infrastructure and consumer flexibility
Grid connection: the National Electricity System Operator (NESO) will manage queuing order flexibly, prioritizing projects with planning permission or CfD support.
Consumer-led flexibility: the government plans to promote a half-hourly settlement model for the retail market to promote more efficient use of electricity.
Economy and employment
The U.K. government expects the Clean Energy 2030 Action Plan to unlock 40 billion pounds (about $50 billion) of investment and create thousands of jobs annually. While the plan aims to boost economic growth, high energy costs remain one of the main challenges.
The U.K. is taking an important step toward full decarbonization through the Clean Energy 2030 plan, in which photovoltaics and energy storage will play a central role, while pushing for comprehensive reforms in policy and markets to support the goal.
Source：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/IGHt6lvV_fenccOvy2bqlw
