Strategic Energy Europe has identified 35 GW of renewable energy projects at various stages of planning and execution in the United Kingdom (UK). These initiatives, overseen by the Planning Inspectorate of the UK Government, align with the National Energy Plan (Net Zero), which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

The survey carried out by the news portal highlights the growth of offshore wind, solar, hydrogen, and energy storage, positioning the country as a leader in the adoption of clean energy sources. “This growth in renewable projects is a clear signal of the UK’s commitment to decarbonisation and energy security,” states the Planning Inspectorate in its latest report.

Of the 35 GW of energy projects currently under review, offshore wind power stands out as the primary source of generation, accounting for 23 GW. This technology plays a key role in the energy transition by harnessing the strong and consistent offshore winds to provide stable and large-scale electricity generation. Furthermore, its growth reflects a strong commitment to renewable sources with high production capacity.

On the other hand, solar energy projects under review total 12 GW, the majority of which incorporate battery storage systems, allowing for optimized energy utilization and ensuring a more stable supply even in the absence of sunlight.

The Leading Companies in the UK’s Energy Transition

The developers behind these 35 GW include major players such as Ørsted, SSE Renewables, Vattenfall, Iberdrola (through ScottishPower), and RWE. These companies are developing large-scale offshore wind farms, which will account for the majority of the new renewable capacity.

• Ørsted is leading projects like Hornsea 3, which will add 2.9 GW to the national grid.
• SSE Renewables and Equinor are progressing with Dogger Bank, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, with 3.6 GW.
• Iberdrola (ScottishPower) is expanding the East Anglia Hub, adding another 3 GW.
• RWE is developing the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, with an installed capacity of 1.4 GW.

Additionally, emerging companies and investment funds are focusing on solar power and storage, which are crucial for grid stability. “The diversification of renewable sources will ensure a resilient and efficient grid,” states the official report.

The Role of the National Energy Plan (Net Zero) in Renewable Development

The National Energy Plan (Net Zero) is the strategic foundation for these projects. This regulatory framework sets ambitious targets, including:

• 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
• 70% of electricity is sourced from renewables within the next decade.
• Investment in green hydrogen and energy storage to balance supply and demand.

“The planning and approval of these projects must align with Net Zero objectives,” states the Planning Inspectorate, which evaluates each proposal based on its environmental and technical feasibility.

Investment and Financing: Key Figures Driving Progress

The development of these 35 GW of renewable projects represents an estimated investment of over £100 billion in the next decade. Funding comes from private capital, government incentives, and international climate funds.

The UK Government has established Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanisms to ensure competitive prices and attract investors. “The UK is now one of the most attractive destinations for renewable energy investments, thanks to a stable and ambitious regulatory framework,” highlights a recent report by the Climate Policy Initiative.

Environmental and Social Impact of the New Projects

The expansion of these projects will deliver significant environmental benefits, with an expected reduction of over 50 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Additionally, it will create more than 120,000 green jobs in engineering, construction, and infrastructure operations.

“The positive impact of this energy transformation is undeniable. We are not only reducing emissions but also promoting sustainable economic development,” emphasises the Planning Inspectorate.

‘Backing Builders’: What Planning and NSIP Reforms Could Mean for Solar Energy in the UK

Before unveiling plans to reform the legal system surrounding Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP), Prime Minister Keir Starmer previewed the announcement on LinkedIn with a post simply stating: “Backing builders, not blockers.”

This message was reflected in the official announcement that the number of legal challenges against NSIP projects will be reduced, as well as in the appointment of Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has swiftly pushed for rapid approval of solar NSIPs.

Solar energy and battery storage (BESS) projects have traditionally faced intense NIMBY opposition, leading to lengthy planning processes and legal challenges that threaten the UK’s 2030 Net Zero targets.

Key Reforms in the NSIP Process

The proposed improvements to the NSIP system include:

• Reducing the number of legal challenges allowed against a project from three to two stages.
• Raising the NSIP threshold for solar projects from 50 MW to 100 MW, allows for larger developments without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.
• Mandating dispute resolution before the application stage, preventing delays in land rights and servitude issues.

Prominent planning lawyer Lord Charles Banner KC suggested these reforms in an October 2024 report, arguing that delays caused by legal challenges harm the public interest and slow critical renewable energy investments.

Impact on Solar Development in the UK

Raising the threshold to 100 MW aims to unlock large-scale solar development. According to Solar Energy UK, no solar projects have been proposed in the 50 MW to 99.9 MW range, as developers prefer to limit projects to 49.9 MW to avoid the NSIP process.

Companies such as Innova, RES, British Solar Renewables (BSR), Enso Energy, and Schroders Greencoat have focused on 40-49.9 MW projects, suggesting that the new reforms could enable larger projects without discouraging investment.

A recent example illustrating the need for reforms is the 500 MW Heckington Fen solar farm, which faced prolonged delays due to land rights disputes with the Crown Estate and the Duchy of Lancaster. Under the new rules, such disputes would need to be resolved before the application, potentially saving up to five months in approval times.

“The government wants to prevent unnecessary disputes from hindering solar energy deployment in the UK,” states a report from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

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