The future of energy supply in the United Kingdom has reached a critical juncture. The difference between the country’s energy demand and the supply available is widening. At our current trajectory, this ‘electricity gap’ could cause 28 hours of blackouts in the year 2035.

The war in the Ukraine taught us how vulnerable our dependency on fossil fuels makes our nation. And the climate change we’re already experiencing demonstrates the great risk of maintaining the status quo. The only viable solution to closing the electricity gap is a significant commitment to renewable energy. Solar power, as the cheapest renewable, offers a path forward if we can get beyond the bureaucratic hurdles and market inertia that have historically stood in the way.

So far, the Labour Government’s commitment to solar and its first actions have been commendable. It will need to continue on this trajectory if blackouts are to be avoided.

Solar Power Policy

Thanks to advances in technology, solar panels in the UK can generate renewable and inexpensive electricity despite our cloudy climes.

In the past, planning permissions, environmental assessments and local opposition have delayed projects for years. But recognising the magnitude of the looming climate and energy crises, Labour has been streamlining these processes.

Since the election on 4 July, Labour has approved three Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), bringing the total to seven. NSIPs are determined by the central government, not local authorities. This includes the recent approval of Cottam Solar Farm, which will be the UK’s largest solar project, and will generate 600 megawatts of power.

We expect within the Government’s first 100 days to see the publication of a Solar Roadmap, which will guide the country toward achieving 50 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030.

In addition, the Labour Government has set about fighting myths that have hindered the development of solar power, especially as regards food security. Within days of the election, the Government released a public statement clarifying that solar farms are not a threat to the UK’s food security or agricultural industry.

And many in the sector were encouraged to see proposed rephrasing of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which states that local authorities “should support planning applications for all forms of renewable and low carbon development and give significant weight… to renewable energy generation and a net zero future.”

Incentivise Renewables

While Labour’s actions so far are positive, there is more to be done.

The energy sector requires financial incentives and market structures that prioritise renewable sources over traditional fossil fuels. Favourable tariffs for solar energy and subsidies for solar installations will foster a competitive market for renewable energy.

The Government must fulfil its promise to invest in grid infrastructure to support the integration of solar power and other renewables so that we can achieve future stability and reliability in our energy supply.

The Cost of Delay

The only way forward is to create as much renewable energy as possible, as soon as we can. Even if climate change were not a looming threat, we cannot rely on foreign sources of fossil fuels without risking unsustainable surges in energy prices. We must transform the grid to clean energy only, but we need significantly more if we are to avoid future blackouts – and with them, disruptions to daily life and negative economic impacts on businesses and essential services.

Falling back on fossil fuels to fill the electricity gap would be even more devastating, exacerbating the impact we’re already experiencing of record high temperatures (we have just concluded the hottest summer in history) and heavy rains that ruin crops, homes, health and the economy.

The Urgency is Real

Policymakers, industry leaders and the public must understand that there is no Plan B. Climate change is already causing devastation around the world and close to home. We must change – and solar power is the fastest, cleanest, cheapest form of renewable energy we can generate.

We need investment in necessary infrastructure and upgrades to the grid. Any delay risks making future blackouts and climate change not just a possibility, but an inevitable reality.

***

This blog, originally published on the 10th July, was updated on the 12th September with additional relevant information.