Clean Power 2030: Are We Still on Track?

Can the UK still deliver a clean power system by 2030? This Strategic Summit panel brings together leaders from across the renewable energy sector to assess progress towards one of the UK's most ambitious energy objectives. Representing developers, investors, engineering consultancies and the supply chain, the discussion explores whether current policy, investment and infrastructure are sufficient to maintain momentum—and what still needs to change.

While panellists agree that the ambition of Clean Power 2030 remains the right direction of travel, there is broad recognition that the scale of delivery required over the next few years is unprecedented. Expanding onshore and offshore wind, increasing solar capacity, strengthening electricity networks and accelerating battery deployment will require coordinated action across government, industry and regulators. Throughout the discussion, the emphasis shifts from setting targets to overcoming the practical challenges of delivering projects at pace.

A recurring theme is the importance of certainty. The panel highlights the value of stable policy, long-term investment signals and mechanisms such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs) in attracting private capital and reducing the cost of renewable energy projects. At the same time, speakers identify grid capacity, planning and consenting processes, supply chain resilience and access to skilled workers as the most significant barriers to delivery. While opinions differ on whether the 2030 target is fully achievable, there is strong agreement that maintaining momentum is essential to building a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy system.

The conversation also looks beyond new generation capacity to the wider energy system. Panellists discuss the growing importance of repowering existing onshore wind farms, modernising grid infrastructure, developing floating offshore wind and supporting innovation across the supply chain. Community engagement also features prominently, with examples of shared ownership, community energy and local benefit schemes demonstrating how involving people directly in renewable energy projects can help build trust and strengthen public support for the energy transition.

Looking beyond 2030, the panel agrees that the current target should be viewed as an important milestone rather than the end of the journey. As electricity demand continues to grow through electrification, AI, data centres and new technologies, long-term success will depend on sustained investment, policy consistency and continued collaboration across the energy sector. The discussion concludes with a clear message: while the challenges are significant, maintaining confidence, accelerating delivery and demonstrating the economic benefits of renewable energy will be critical to securing the UK's clean energy future.

The session explores

• Progress towards delivering Clean Power 2030
• Grid infrastructure, planning reform and project delivery
• Investment certainty, Contracts for Difference and market confidence
• Repowering onshore wind and accelerating offshore wind deployment
• Community engagement, public support and local economic benefits
• Building a resilient, affordable and secure renewable energy system

Watch the full panel discussion to hear industry leaders share their perspectives on the opportunities, risks and practical actions needed to accelerate the UK's clean energy transition and deliver a resilient electricity system for the decades ahead.

Looking for something else?