The UK electricity and gas distribution corporation named National Energy System Operator (NESO)’s report called Clean Power 2030 shared plans for cutting back on gas-powered energy by putting renewable energy sources at the forefront.
However, Solar Energy UK (SEUK) feels that NESO does not fully appreciate the work that solar power has done, its role in battery storage, and what it can do to achieve expected energy goals. SEUK believes that NESO’s report lacks ambition and doesn’t involve the solar industry as much as it should. Hence, in this case, it is deemed that NESO’s clean power report has fallen short when evaluating solar and battery power.
NESO’s report used outdated figures, saying the UK has about 15 GW worth of solar power. However, SEUK claims that it is using old and inaccurate data and the actual number is closer to 20 GW now, especially since all the recent solar installations have been made on large buildings and warehouses. SEUK’s argument then is that NESO’s plan then inevitably looks less achievable than it is.
Referring back to NESO’s report, it also claims that the UK will reach of solar capacity of 47.8 GW and battery storage reach 22-27GW by the year 2030 but SEUK has deemed this amount too low as it falls short of 50W which is the renewable energy goal that is proposed by the Labour Party. Despite NESO’s estimate, SEUK believes that solar can exceed these numbers with the right support.
SEUK looks to the positive side and plans on seeing the benefits of clean energy by 2030 which is that it will reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity prices, and support the economy. Cleaner energy can also help avoid unexpected price increases and reduce pollution.
Currently, there are only a few changes, but substation changes need to be made in terms of solar growth and SEUK points out that changes must be made in order for solar and battery power to grow. The first is that more power lines need to be big to connect new solar farms and batteries to the national grid. Secondly, speeding up approvals will make it much easier and faster to get planning permission, particularly in protected areas. Finally, the market rules need to be updated so that it’s easier for clean energy projects to get funding.
In terms of future plans for solar growth, SEUK’s Solar Taskforce will release a solar roadmap next year, which will lay out steps to expand solar power in the UK. This plan will focus on reducing wait times for connecting solar to the grid, training workers, clearing up myths about solar energy, and making it easier to install rooftop panels.
Now SEUK wants to work closely with NESO and the government to make clean power a reality by 2030. The main objective here is to make sure that solar and battery power are treated as essential parts of the UK’s energy future and receive the support they need to thrive.
