Published on Nov. 5, 2024, the Clean Power in 2030 report lists 47 GW of deployed solar capacity by 2030 as one of the key features of a carbon-free grid. The latest capacity figures published by the government record 17.1 GW as of Sept. 31, 2024.
Some new solar and wind sites are waiting up to 10 to 15 years to be connected because of a lack of capacity in the system - known as the "grid". Renewable energy companies worry it could threaten UK climate targets. National Grid, which manages the system, acknowledges the problem but says fundamental reform is needed.
But now energy companies are warning that significant delays to connect their green energy projects to the system will threaten their ability to bring more green power online. A new wind farm or solar site can only start supplying energy to people's homes once it has been plugged into the grid.
Ofgem says it has agreed to allow the National Grid to raise an additional £20bn over the next 40 years from customer bills to pay for the huge upgrades the grid needs. Customers have seen household prices soar over the last year following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and a run-on gas.
Photo: Vattenfall Solar capacity in Great Britain should triple by 2030 to meet net zero targets, according to new advice to the UK government from the National Energy System Operator (NESO). Published on Nov. 5, 2024, the Clean Power in 2030 report lists 47 GW of deployed solar capacity by 2030 as one of the key features of a carbon-free grid.
Plans for a solar farm that could power 12,000 homes will be recommended for approval, a report has concluded. The scheme, which is set to stretch across 66 hectares of land between Harrogate and Ripon, attracted 38 objections and five responses in support.