DESNZ Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
Unblocking the Grid: Prioritising Connection Reform
One of the plan’s most urgent priorities is tackling delays in grid connection. Renewable energy projects are stuck in queues totaling over 700 GW, creating a significant obstacle to decarbonisation.
To address this, the government is shifting to a “first-ready, first-connected” system, ensuring that projects with immediate deployment potential are prioritised. This marks a departure from the traditional "first-come, first-served" approach, which often leads to inefficiencies.
Simultaneously, the government is doubling down on grid infrastructure investment. The goal is to enhance transmission capacity at unprecedented rates, particularly in areas rich in renewable resources. Regional capacity targets further align grid developments with local opportunities, fostering a decentralised and resilient energy network.
Planning for Progress: Streamlined Consenting Processes
Complex and lengthy planning processes have often been cited as roadblocks to renewable energy deployment. The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan introduces much-needed reforms, including integrating renewable energy projects into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime.
This framework is designed to fast-track large-scale projects, such as offshore wind farms and transmission lines. Alongside legislative updates, the government is limiting judicial review processes for critical projects to reduce delays.
Crucially, the plan also places emphasis on environmental and community benefits. Nature-positive planning ensures that infrastructure projects contribute to biodiversity, while communities hosting renewable energy developments can expect tangible benefits such as energy bill discounts and direct investment.
The Digital Backbone: Data and Digitalisation in Clean Energy
The future of clean energy depends not just on infrastructure but also on data. The government plans to create an Energy System Digital Spine, a cutting-edge data-sharing platform that will provide real-time insights into energy generation, consumption, and grid management.
By addressing long-standing issues such as poor data interoperability and siloed systems, the digital spine will unlock operational efficiencies and support the seamless integration of renewables. Standardised data protocols are also being developed to ensure consistency and reliability across the sector.
Smart grid investments will further optimise energy distribution, enabling dynamic responses to fluctuations in supply and demand. Enhanced cybersecurity measures are being deployed to protect this increasingly interconnected infrastructure from potential threats.
Empowering Consumers Through Technology
Digitalisation is not just about grid operators—it’s also about consumers. The rollout of smart meters continues, offering households real-time energy consumption data. Paired with user-friendly apps, these tools empower consumers to make smarter choices, from scheduling appliances during off-peak hours to integrating rooftop solar with home battery storage.
The government is also encouraging the adoption of flexible energy systems, such as demand-side response programs. These initiatives allow consumers to benefit from price fluctuations by shifting their energy use or even selling surplus energy back to the grid.
Innovation funding will support the development of cutting-edge technologies, including AI and IoT applications, which promise to revolutionise energy forecasting, demand management, and renewable integration.
Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Energy System
The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan underscores the UK Government’s commitment to a sustainable, secure, and consumer-centric energy future. By addressing critical challenges in grid connection, planning, and digitalisation, the plan lays the foundation for a decarbonised electricity system that supports the broader net-zero ambition.
For tech companies, this represents an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and lead. From developing digital platforms to enhancing grid management technologies, the private sector will play a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality.
The future of energy is not only clean but also connected—and the UK is poised to lead the way.
Teodora Kaneva
Teodora’s rich background varies from working in business development for a renewable energy lobbying association in Brussels to the fast moving technology innovation startup scene in the UK.
