• The Government’s clean power mission is a bold step forward, but urgent reforms to planning and grid infrastructure must be delivered at pace to unlock renewables’ full potential. 

• Unlocking £40 billion in annual private investment hinges on a stable policy environment and removing barriers that have stalled vital projects for years. 

• Collaboration with industry will be essential to reindustrialising the UK, securing energy security, and driving down bills for households and businesses. 

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) welcomes the Government’s ambitious plan to transform the UK’s energy system, with a strong focus on fixing the grid and streamlining planning to enable faster deployment of renewable energy projects. These reforms are vital to unlocking billions of pounds of investment, creating skilled jobs, and achieving the UK’s target of a clean electricity system by 2030. 

The Government’s commitment to cleaning up the grid connection queue is a major step forward. With the queue now containing 739 GW of capacity—much of it speculative or stalled—prioritising ready-to-go projects is essential. Rationalising the queue and accelerating connections for the most critical projects will ensure that clean power reaches homes, businesses, and industries faster, helping to meet climate targets and boosting the economy. 

The REA also highlights the critical role of diverse renewable technologies in building a resilient and sustainable energy future. By diversifying the energy mix, these technologies contribute to local economic growth, job creation, and enhanced energy security for communities across the UK. The REA also welcomes the Government’s focus on expanding energy storage and improving system flexibility, which are essential for efficiently integrating renewables into the grid and maintaining a reliable energy supply. 

The REA supports the Government’s pledge to provide greater clarity on the energy mix needed for 2030, including updated National Policy Statements for energy. These updates will guide planners to prioritise critical infrastructure and help deliver the right mix of clean power at both national and regional levels. Reforms such as the return of onshore wind projects to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime and the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill are critical to ensuring that delays are minimised and communities see direct benefits from hosting renewable energy projects. 

As the UK transitions to clean electricity, the REA stands ready to work with the Government and industry to ensure promises translate into results, delivering a net zero future that benefits everyone. 

Frank Gordon, Director of Policy, REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), said: 

“This plan is an important step forward, providing much-needed clarity and ambition to deliver a clean electricity system by 2030. But the hard work starts now. We need urgent action to tackle the planning delays and grid constraints that have held back renewable energy projects for too long. 

To meet the 2030 target, it is essential that we harness a diverse range of renewable technologies. A varied energy mix not only strengthens energy security but also ensures localised benefits across communities in the UK. 

With the right support, this plan can unlock investment, create jobs, and deliver energy security for the UK.”