Solar Energy UK says Labour’s first year in power will be ‘critical’ for solar and energy storage sectors

These two actions will be welcome first steps towards Labour’s commitment to making the UK “a clean energy superpower that cuts bills, creates jobs and delivers security with cheaper, zero-emission electricity by 2030, accelerating towards net zero”. They will send a clear signal to the solar industry to unlock investment, create green jobs and generate cheaper electricity.

As part of its mission, Labour has pledged to work with the private sector to triple solar power by 2030, which is in line with SEUK’s manifesto demand for the UK to reach 50 gigawatts of solar power generation capacity by the same date. The UK is set to have around 20GW by the end of this year, supplemented by 8GW of battery storage. SEUK predicts the UK will have 30GW of zero-emission storage by the end of the decade.

Solar Energy UK welcomes in particular Labour’s commitment to tackling the long delays in grid connections. The manifesto describes the state of the electricity grid as “the single biggest obstacle to the deployment of cheap, clean energy generation and industrial electrification”, a view shared by the industry.

The party also promised to work together to deliver high-quality jobs and develop a domestic supply chain “as the UK becomes a clean energy superpower”. Solar Energy has already laid the foundations for these goals through the Solar Taskforce.

“We are committed to helping the new Government deliver on its national mission to deliver clean energy by 2030,” said Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK. “Labour’s first year in power will be a critical period for the solar and storage sectors – essential to future energy security, lower energy bills and tackling the climate crisis. We are confident that the new Government will demonstrate a more positive attitude towards the industry, and in doing so, strengthen investor confidence. To deliver Labour’s goal of decarbonising the grid by the end of the decade, it must act now. This means embracing solar through swift ministerial decisions on significant solar projects, mandating solar on new homes and overhauling the Solar Taskforce to align with the ambitious target of 50GW of solar capacity by 2030.”

The roadmap will set out practical measures to boost the use of cost-effective and popular solar energy. Solar Energy UK says it will work with the new government to publish it within 100 days.

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