The future of energy in the UK is changing rapidly as the country is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Renewable energy is a key part of achieving this ambitious goal, and the UK has set out to become a world leader in offshore wind power. Offshore wind has been identified as a significant contributor to the UK’s energy independence, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign energy supplies and mitigating the impact of rising energy prices. In this article, we will take a closer look at the UK’s goals and ambitions for renewable energy and how it can help the country reach its net zero target while also ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for the future.

What is the UK’s Energy Strategy?

The government’s energy strategy outlines a range of sources, including nuclear, hydrogen, offshore wind, solar, and continued oil and gas licensing in UK waters, that it believes will enhance the security, independence, and sustainability of the UK’s energy supply. The strategy emphasizes the expansion of domestic energy production while also committing to eliminate imports of Russian oil and coal by the end of 2022, and Russian gas as soon as possible thereafter.

At the forefront of the UK’s aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 is the adoption of clean power generation, with the government directing energy providers to ensure that all electricity is generated from 100% zero-carbon sources by 2035.

Hydrogen Power

Hydrogen is seen as a key component of the UK’s net zero strategy, as it has the potential to provide clean fuel for transportation, heating, and industrial processes. The government’s Hydrogen Strategy, published in August 2021, sets out plans to produce 5GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030.

Green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, is seen as the most sustainable form of hydrogen. The government is investing in research and development to support the development of green hydrogen technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen storage.

The Government set out their further plans for Hydrogen Power. On December 13th, 2022, the UK government unveiled an updated hydrogen strategy for 2021 that emphasizes the creation of a supportive regulatory framework to establish the UK as a competitive and integrated market for low carbon hydrogen. As part of this strategy, Jane Toogood was appointed as the UK’s Hydrogen Champion to engage with stakeholders and address key challenges for hydrogen project deployment, as well as identify economic opportunities.

One of the notable additions to the strategy is the publication of a consultation on Decarbonisation Readiness requirements. This proposal would mandate all new and significantly refurbished combustion power plants to be easily convertible to carbon capture or hydrogen generation technology within the plant’s lifetime. Additionally, the government aims to make all domestic gas boilers hydrogen-ready by 2026, with the potential to save 21 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2050 and reduce energy bills.

To encourage private investment in the UK hydrogen market, the government has committed a further £25 million in funding to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen generation technologies from biomass and waste. One such technology is hydrogen generated from bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, which permanently removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by absorbing it through biomass and storing it when hydrogen is produced.

Offshore Wind Power

The UK aims to increase the deployment of clean power generation by 25% while maintaining high environmental standards. By 2030, the UK plans to generate up to 50GW, including up to 5GW of floating wind, which will create high-skilled jobs. Offshore wind farms have public support and reduce damage to habitats caused by climate change. The unit cost of offshore wind power has fallen by around two-thirds, and the Contracts for Difference scheme has brought in billions of pounds of private investment.

The UK government plans to reduce the consent time from up to four years to one year, strengthen Renewable National Policy Statements, and introduce strategic compensation environmental measures to speed up the deployment process. The UK will remain a world leader in renewable energy by offering clear investable signals through annual auctions, bringing forward up to 5GW of floating offshore wind by 2030, and investing in ports and supply chains as well as research and development.

To achieve this target, the government has expedited the approval process for new projects, reducing the approval time for new offshore wind farms from four years to one.

However, the government has done little to alleviate the planning obstacles faced by onshore wind farms in the UK, which energy companies argue could produce electricity more rapidly.

The government plans to collaborate with “a limited number of supportive communities” willing to host wind farms in exchange for lower energy bills. Similarly, energy provider Octopus operates a similar program and found that 91% of customers surveyed were interested in having a wind turbine in their local community if it resulted in cheaper electricity.

Onshore Wind Power

Onshore wind power is a cheap form of renewable energy and the UK already has over 14GW of it, with more projects planned in Scotland. The government is committed to delivering affordable, clean, and secure power and has included onshore wind in recent Contracts for Difference auctions and will continue to do so. In Scotland, planning will be done in collaboration with the Scottish Government, while in Wales, efforts will be made to improve grid connections. In England, where opinions on onshore wind vary, plans will prioritize community involvement.

Solar Energy

Solar power is an abundant and cost-effective resource, with 14GW of solar capacity in the UK and the potential for a five-fold increase in deployment by 2035. The government plans to amend planning rules to favour ground-mounted solar development on non-protected land while preserving community input and environmental protections. Large-scale projects will be encouraged to locate on previously developed or lower value land, while co-location with other functions will be supported to maximize land use efficiency. For rooftop solar, planning processes will be simplified to reduce bills and create jobs.

The government has already removed VAT on solar panels in residential accommodations and will explore low-cost finance options to promote rooftop deployment and energy efficiency. Performance standards will be designed to make renewables, including solar PV, the norm in new buildings. Solar power is also included in the latest Contracts for Difference auction round and future rounds.

What’s wrong with fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are a finite and non-renewable resource that have been the primary source of energy for human activities for several centuries. However, there are several issues associated with their use that have raised concerns about their sustainability and long-term impact on the environment. One of the most significant issues is climate change, which is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. These gases trap heat and contribute to global warming, which can have severe consequences, such as rising sea levels, more frequent and intense natural disasters, and changes in weather patterns.

In addition to contributing to climate change, the extraction, transportation, and use of fossil fuels also have negative impacts on the environment and human health. The process of extracting fossil fuels can lead to habitat destruction, soil and water pollution, and oil spills, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems. The transportation of these fuels, whether through pipelines or tankers, also poses risks of spills, leaks, and accidents, which can have severe consequences for both human health and the environment.

Moreover, the burning of fossil fuels also contributes to air pollution, which can have significant health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses. This pollution can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and premature death. Finally, the use of fossil fuels has significant geopolitical implications, as countries compete for access to these resources and can be vulnerable to price volatility and supply disruptions.

Overall, the use of fossil fuels has significant negative impacts on the environment, human health, and global stability, highlighting the urgent need for a transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

Are renewables cost effective?

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar and onshore wind are now the cheapest sources of new electricity generation in most countries, including the UK. Offshore wind, while still more expensive than onshore wind and solar, has also seen significant cost reductions in recent years.

Furthermore, as renewable technologies continue to improve and become more efficient, their costs are expected to continue to fall, making them even more cost-effective in the long run.

The transition to a net zero future will require significant investment in new energy technologies, including nuclear power stations and energy storage. The government’s action plan includes measures to reduce energy bills and create new jobs in the energy sector. Renewables are becoming increasingly cost-effective as energy prices rise and the transition to net zero accelerates.

What will the future energy grid look like?

The energy grid in the UK used to depend on a limited number of power stations, but with the increasing use of renewables, the electricity system has become more diverse. This has made the overall energy security more resilient to any potential issues in the system. In the future, a majority of the energy used for heating homes and powering cars will come from renewable sources like wind and solar power, with a smaller percentage from tidal, hydro and geothermal sources. The grid will become smarter and match supply and demand to reduce costs while keeping up with the energy consumption.

To achieve a net zero energy future, an action plan is needed that includes the use of green energy, local energy systems, and low-carbon energy generation. Electric cars and batteries will stockpile electricity, and power may be converted into hydrogen gas for long-term storage. The government may establish a new body to oversee the transition to net zero and ensure a secure energy system. The use of renewable energy technologies will be key in reaching net zero, with offshore wind projects playing a major role. The UK aims to be a world leader in offshore wind, with new offshore wind farms and the development of the UK’s offshore wind industry.

The UK’s energy system is also exploring new sources of power, such as tidal and wave energy and new nuclear power stations. The development of North Sea oil and gas will continue, but with a focus on climate-friendly energy. The national energy markets will be adjusted to accommodate the transition to net zero. The price of offshore wind will be monitored to ensure that it is affordable, while still providing enough energy to power every home in the UK.