Government unveils Clean Power Action Plan to achieve 2030 energy goals

The UK government has pledged “the most ambitious reforms to the country’s energy system in a generation” in a new  Clean Power Action Plan launched today (13 December 2024). The plan lays out key measures to meet its goal of decarbonising the electricity grid by 2030, including sweeping changes to planning, grid connections, and renewable energy policies.

Transforming the energy mix

By 2030, gas-fired power plants are expected to provide just 5% of the nation’s electricity, compared to around one-third today. Crucially, these plants will be equipped with carbon capture technology to reduce emissions. To achieve this shift, the UK will significantly expand renewable energy and nuclear power generation while improving energy efficiency and building system flexibility.

The plan emphasises the importance of private investment, with an average of £40 billion required annually between 2025 and 2030. The government’s role will focus on creating a supportive regulatory environment to attract and accelerate this investment.

Reforming grid connections

A key focus of the plan is reforming the grid connection process, which it describes as “dysfunctional.” The government will replace the  ‘first come, first served’ system with a streamlined approach, removing stalled or slow-moving projects from the queue.

To address these inefficiencies, the government intends to:

• Remove stalled or unviable projects from the queue.
• Prioritise projects ready to proceed.

These changes aim to accelerate the connection of viable renewable energy projects, unlocking significant investment and expediting the transition to clean energy.

Streamlining planning processes

The plan also includes measures to address delays in planning approvals for energy projects. Proposed reforms include:

• Simplifying environmental impact assessments to avoid duplication.
• Enhancing training and resources for planning authorities.
• Reintroducing onshore wind farms into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime for projects exceeding 100MW.

These reforms will be part of the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, aimed at ensuring critical energy infrastructure can be delivered more efficiently.

Community and environmental considerations

The government is keen to demonstrate the social and environmental benefits of the energy transition. It will update guidance on voluntary community funds for renewable energy developers and work with industry groups to enhance community benefit schemes.

On the environmental front, a new land use strategy, due in 2025, will address competing demands on UK land for housing, energy, agriculture, and nature restoration. To support offshore energy developments, Marine Recovery Funds will be established, financed by developers to offset potential impacts on marine ecosystems.

Miliband’s vision for clean energy

Announcing the plan, Energy Security and Net-Zero Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“A new era of clean electricity for our country offers a positive vision of Britain’s future with energy security, lower bills, good jobs and climate action. This can only happen with big, bold change and that is why the government is embarking on the most ambitious reforms to our energy system in generations.   

“The era of clean electricity is about harnessing the power of Britain’s natural resources so we can protect working people from the ravages of global energy markets. 

“The clean power sprint is the national security, economic security, and social justice fight of our time – and this plan gives us the tools we need to win this fight for the British people.”

Next steps

With the Clean Power Action Plan in place, the government’s focus now shifts to implementation. Key next steps include:

• Introducing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to Parliament and enacting proposed reforms.
• Developing detailed guidance for community benefit schemes and launching the public consultation on nature-positive practices in 2025.
• Publishing the land use strategy in 2025 to guide sustainable energy development alongside other land uses.
• Continuing engagement with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders to expand the Marine Recovery Funds initiative.

Achieving the 2030 grid decarbonisation goal will require close collaboration between government, industry, and communities. While challenges remain, the Clean Power Action Plan sets the stage for a cleaner, more secure energy future for the UK.