Clean Power 2030 Action Plan

[edit] Introduction and summary

The UK’s clean energy transition will require a swift and large-scale deployment of renewable energy across all regions, aligned with the ambitions of the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments. This plan acknowledges a central governmental role in driving change, setting clear 2030 targets: 43–50 GW of offshore wind, 27–29 GW of onshore wind, and 45–47 GW of solar power. To support these intermittent sources, 23–27 GW of battery storage and 4–6 GW of long-duration storage will be developed, along with emerging flexibility solutions like hydrogen and carbon capture.

Backed by NESO guidance, 80 key infrastructure projects—many already advanced—must be rapidly delivered to enable this transformation. Meanwhile, 35 GW of unabated gas capacity will remain to ensure supply security during the transition.

The clean energy buildout will drive significant economic growth, with investments averaging £40 billion annually from 2025 to 2030. These investments will not only spread economic benefits across the UK but also shield consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices and help lower energy bills. This strategy also lays the foundation for broader decarbonisation by 2050, supporting the electrification of transport, heating, and industry in a future where electricity demand is expected to at least double.

[edit] Planned actions

To hold the path to 2030, the government says it knows it must take radical action, quickly. Below is a summary of what it calls the first major steps towards clean power, in partnership with the Scottish and Welsh governments, industry and the public.

[edit] Electricity Networks and Connections

The government will reform the grid connection process to prioritise projects critical for 2030, working with NESO, Ofgem, TOs, and DNOs. Regulatory changes will support investment ahead of need, reduce project delivery times, and improve planning and consenting processes. Community engagement and benefit-sharing will be enhanced, with the Scottish Government updating its guidance and new policies to increase Community Funds.

[edit] Planning and Consenting

Planning systems will be upgraded to prioritise 2030 projects, increase workforce capacity, and streamline approvals. A new Planning and Infrastructure Bill will support infrastructure delivery. Measures will include improved nature restoration through strategic mitigation and Marine Recovery Funds, with devolved governments in Wales and Scotland also advancing reforms.

[edit] Renewable and Nuclear Project Delivery

Reforms to the CfD process will better support offshore wind and renewables. Great British Energy will boost local and community-led projects. Solar and nuclear capacity will be expanded, with further support for onshore and offshore developments, excluding new nuclear in Scotland.

[edit] Electricity Market Reform

Electricity markets will be modernised to support clean power deployment, with 29–35 GW of new short-duration flexibility and reform to network charges. REMA decisions will align with CfD allocation rounds.

[edit] Flexibility (Short and Long Duration)

Plans include a Low Carbon Flexibility Roadmap, reforms for battery storage, and investment in long-duration technologies like pumped hydro and hydrogen power. Unabated gas will remain a temporary backup.

[edit] Supply Chains and Workforce

New forums and the Clean Energy Skills Challenge will support supply chains and workforce development. Clean power investment will be backed by the National Wealth Fund and Industrial Strategy.

[edit] Delivery Governance

The Clean Power 2030 Unit will coordinate efforts, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery with input from industry, academia, and devolved governments

[edit] Why Clean Power by 2030?

The UK’s dependence on fossil fuels has exposed households and businesses to volatile energy prices and environmental risks. Clean Power 2030 offers a sustainable solution—delivering secure, affordable, and home grown electricity to meet national needs while tackling climate change.

With abundant wind and solar resources and a history of renewable innovation, the UK is well-placed to lead this transition. But swift action is vital: energy infrastructure takes years to build, and international competition for investment and supply chains is intensifying. This plan responds with urgency—prioritising projects that can be delivered by 2030, reforming outdated systems that cause delays, and clearing the 739 GW connections backlog.

Beyond infrastructure, the plan raises ambition across the entire energy system. It focusses on unlocking investment, building domestic supply chains, and developing the skilled workforce needed for a clean energy future. Consumers are central to this effort—Clean Power 2030 aims to lower bills, improve reliability, and promote fair access to green technologies.

Delivery will be hands-on and collaborative, involving direct support for projects and cross-departmental coordination. Clean Power 2030 also supports national missions: revitalising the economy, improving public health, and creating well-paid jobs—ultimately transforming how Britain powers its future and protects its people.

[edit] Further information and detail

Further information and detail see the Policy paper 'Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity – main report' Updated 15 April 2025.

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