Comment

Solar Roadmap – lighting the way to clean energy by 2030

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has published a Solar Roadmap[1], setting out the final conclusions of the UK Solar Taskforce appointed by the Government in 2023 and co-chaired by Ed Miliband MP (Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero) and Chris Hewett (CEO of Solar Energy UK).

The Roadmap includes a comprehensive strategy and clear plan of action to achieve the significant increase in solar deployment needed to support the delivery of clean power by 2030, as set out in the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan^[2] (‘CP30’) – rising from 18GW in Q1 2025^[3] to 45-47GW by 2030. It focuses on practical actions for industry and Government to overcome the challenges to delivering this ambition within the next five years and boosting the UK’s energy security – which the Government has identified as a core component of our wider national security^[4]. It also sets the stage for longer-term growth beyond 2030, and commits to actions to support new, good quality jobs, through the ramp up of solar deployment.

Much of the Roadmap repeats commitments which have already been introduced (e.g. the CP30 Connections Reform Annex^[5], updated NPPF (December 2024) and the increased NSIP threshold for solar of 100MW) or which have recently been consulted upon (e.g. the updated NPS for Energy Infrastructure^[6]), reinforcing the UK Government’s efforts of achieving its ‘Plan for Change’ mission of becoming a ‘clean energy superpower’^[7].

However, there are some interesting new initiatives that are worth highlighting.

Strengthening community benefit

The Government recently consulted on a working paper seeking views on introducing a mandatory community benefit fund scheme for low carbon energy infrastructure on 21 May 2025^[8]. We contributed to Regen’s response to the consultation and await the Governments’ response. Continuing on from this, the Roadmap confirms that later this year Solar Energy UK will publish a Community Benefits Protocol, as well as guidance for solar energy companies and local communities in the vicinity of new solar farms wishing to enter into discussions on community benefit. With the policy direction still evolving, our in-house community benefit and social value expertise can advise and add clarity to clients on appropriate strategies to support net zero infrastructure projects.

Communicating the case

It is recommended that the industry develops a communications toolkit focusing on how to communicate the benefits of solar and tackle misinformation when engaging with local communities. Our Strategic Communications team has contributed to a Regen-led paper on best practice in community engagement, which highlights the importance of early, proactive engagement, including with opposition groups, to clearly communicate the benefits of solar and build local understanding.

Upskilling and training

Solar Energy UK are to work with representatives from the planning profession to review current training provision for the sector and ensure it is fit-for-purpose in supporting the delivery of renewables (including solar), including through university degrees. We support the drive to upskill planners across the industry and particularly within Local Planning Authorities, ensuring that decision-makers have the right skills, understanding and experience needed to consent planning applications for solar energy generation (and all other Net Zero Infrastructure).

Unlocking floating solar

The Government will provide further reforms to permitted development rights to assist with floating solar projects. We look forward to seeing the detail of this in future consultations.

Overcoming the grid barrier

Of fundamental importance to any solar energy project is the availability of a suitable connection to the electricity grid. The timing of connection determines the viability and deliverability of projects and is key to decisions to bring schemes forward – certainty on timescales is therefore essential. The Roadmap acknowledges that demand, combined with network capacity challenges, has created a connection queue, which ultimately sees many solar projects being delayed, curtailed or cancelled. The National Energy System Operator has already undertaken significant work to reform the Grid Connections process, and Ofgem are currently undertaking a full end-to-end review of the connections process to ensure the projects needed to achieve the CP30 targets are achieved.

Reaffirming green infrastructure

The Roadmap also reaffirms the Governments’ drive to ensure that solar, and green infrastructure more widely, remain front and centre of policy thinking in maximising the significant economic opportunity it brings, as well as boosting the UK’s energy independence, reducing costs to consumers, and tackling the climate crisis.

If you’d like to discuss the Solar Roadmap further or understand the implications for your project, please reach out to Nicola Riley or a member of our Net Zero Infrastructure team.

7 July 2025

[1] Solar roadmap - GOV.UK
[2] Clean Power 2030 Action Plan - GOV.UK
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/solar-photovoltaics-deployment
[4] National Security Strategy 2025: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World (HTML) - GOV.UK
[5] Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: connections reform annex (updated April 2025)
[6] Planning for new energy infrastructure: 2025 revisions to National Policy Statements - GOV.UK
[7] Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower - GOV.UK
[8] Community benefits and shared ownership for low carbon energy infrastructure: working paper (accessible webpage) - GOV.UK