Following a tumultuous 2022, the Government’s new Energy Security Plan was a hugely welcome ray of sunshine for the solar industry. Solar Energy UK’s senior communications adviser Gareth Simkins reflects on the transformation of attitudes in Downing Street.
The UK Government’s revised energy security strategy titled Powering Up Britain, published on ‘Green Day’ (30 March) has committed to a number of measures that it predicts will double the UK’s solar portfolio by 2050.
The solar industry has welcomed the UK government’s plans to establish a Solar Taskforce as part of a range of measures introduced in the “Energy Security Day” package.
“There has never been a better time to join the solar industry, which is going from strength to strength,” said Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, with the launch of its new solar careers guide.
Power station closures in Fife and East Lothian, combined with rising interest in cheap, renewable energy has seen demand for solar PV soar in Scotland, property consultancy Galbraith has said.
The economics of developing solar have “decisively switched” according to a panel of experts this week, but development still faces a number of barriers with the most significant being the grid.
Figures from the solar industry have emphasised the need to install solar panels on all new housing developments to the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee.
Ministers have ruled out expanding land categorisation to include 3B within the Best and Most Versatile (BMV) classification, in a “turning point” for the renewables sector.
