The Clean Power 2030 report released by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Solar Energy UK (SEUK), which claims the report reflects a “limited understanding” of solar and battery energy storage technologies. SEUK’s Chief Executive Chris Hewett didn’t mince words, asserting that the analysis falls short of the depth and ambition required to truly harness the potential of these renewable energy sources. The report’s failure to incorporate the growth of rooftop solar and batteries, which have become increasingly prevalent in homes, factories, and warehouses, raises serious questions about NESO’s assumptions and methodologies.
Hewett pointedly highlighted that solar farms represent the most cost-effective and swiftly deployable means of power generation in the UK, often paired with battery storage. Yet, in a glaring oversight, NESO’s scenarios completely omit any deployment range for solar energy and present a conservative outlook for battery storage. This not only suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the technologies but also risks stunting the growth of an industry that is poised to play a crucial role in the nation’s energy transition.
The report’s reliance on outdated figures, such as the 15GW capacity for solar generation, further compounds the issue. Current figures indicate that the UK’s solar capacity stands at 17.1GW, with industry insiders believing it may be nearing 20GW. This discrepancy, acknowledged by the Climate Change Committee, stems from the inadequate tracking of major rooftop installations by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. SEUK argues that the deployment of solar and battery technologies will likely outpace NESO’s projections, underscoring the urgent need for the government to reassess its approach.
NESO’s report delineates Labour’s clean power goal, which aims for unabated gas to supply only 5% of Great Britain’s power in a typical year. However, it also admits that achieving this ambitious target hinges on the mass deployment of solar energy and other renewables. The report forecasts a solar generation capacity of 47.4GW—less than the 50GW previously proposed by Labour and below the current queue for grid connections. On the battery storage front, NESO anticipates reaching at least 22.6GW by 2030, a significant increase from the mere 4.7GW in 2023.
Despite the shortcomings in NESO’s analysis, SEUK remains optimistic. Hewett confidently stated, “We have every confidence that the solar and battery energy storage industries will exceed the figures outlined by NESO report today, delivering cheaper, greener, and more secure energy for the nation.” The implications of this optimism are profound, as clean power by 2030 is not just achievable but could lead to a multitude of benefits, from reducing price volatility and carbon emissions to fostering economic growth—all without burdening consumers with higher bills.
As the government prepares to consider the report, it must take a proactive stance in defining clean power and strategizing its delivery. This will feed into NESO’s Strategic Spatial Energy Plan and the necessary reforms for managing the grid queue. Upcoming initiatives, like the Solar Taskforce’s Solar Roadmap, will outline practical measures to accelerate the solar industry’s growth, including reducing grid connection wait times, addressing workforce training needs, and dismantling regulatory barriers to rooftop installations.
In this evolving landscape, Solar Energy UK is poised to collaborate with NESO, the government, and other stakeholders to transform the vision of clean power by 2030 into a tangible reality. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.
