UK aims for net zero grid by 2030: “Challenging, but achievable”

Join us as we delve into the latest developments in the UK’s energy policy in a riveting 100 Days of Labour podcast featuring Marcus Shepheard, the esteemed Policy Manager at NESTA. In this insightful discussion, Marcus sheds light on the remarkable progress made by the UK towards achieving net zero emissions in the wake of Labour’s first 100 days in power.

Embarking on the path to a cleaner and more sustainable future, Marcus Shepheard emphasises the challenges and rewards that come with the 2030 Clean Power Plan. “The 2030 Clean Power Plan is a tough nut to crack, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges we face along the way,” he asserts, encapsulating the essence of the UK’s ambitious journey towards achieving net zero emissions.

Reflecting on the initial 100 days of the new government, Marcus expresses optimism at the accelerated pace of ambition and action witnessed during this period. Notable policy shifts such as the lifting of the ban on onshore wind and the establishment of Great British Energy (GB Energy) have set the stage for transformative changes in the UK’s energy landscape.

Marcus highlights the significant potential of GB Energy in revolutionising large-scale power generation projects in the UK, but he underscores the reinstatement of onshore wind as the most impactful decision in the short term. Describing onshore wind as a vast and underutilised resource, he labels it a “no-brainer” move that had been long overdue on the policy agenda.

Despite the formidable challenges on the road to 2030, Marcus remains steadfast in his belief that achieving a net zero grid by the end of the decade is an attainable goal. Acknowledging the mounting demand for electricity due to the electrification of sectors like transport and heating, he estimates the need for investments ranging from £350 billion to £500 billion to meet this growing demand.

One of the primary hurdles in this journey is the escalating cost of capital, exacerbated by years of missed opportunities for cheap borrowing. Marcus points out that higher interest rates have made borrowing more expensive, significantly inflating the costs of crucial infrastructure projects.

However, financial constraints are just one piece of the puzzle. Marcus underscores the crucial need for cross-sector coordination and effective government intervention to drive large-scale transformations, from upgrading EV charging infrastructure to revamping home heating systems and retrofitting buildings for improved energy efficiency.

Addressing persisting challenges in the energy transition, Marcus highlights bottlenecks in grid connections as a major concern. Renewable energy projects often face delays of up to 15 years in securing a connection to the national grid, posing a substantial obstacle to progress.

While recent planning reforms and Ofgem’s proactive stance offer some hope for streamlining the grid connection process, supply chain bottlenecks continue to impede progress. Marcus points to the scarcity of specialised equipment and skilled labour as critical bottlenecks in the energy transition.

Proposing GB Energy as a potential solution to smooth out supply chain issues and secure essential resources, Marcus stresses the importance of a mission-driven approach by the government to align various ministries and industries towards a coordinated effort in overcoming these challenges.

Looking towards the future, Marcus identifies two key areas of focus: clarifying the role of hydrogen in the energy mix and developing the necessary skills to meet the labour demands of the net zero transition. Emphasising the UK’s potential as a “wind superpower,” he calls for a shift in perspective towards embracing the country’s renewable energy resources more fully.

For an in-depth exploration of these critical topics and more, don’t miss out on the full interview by clicking the video link above. Stay tuned for more updates on the UK’s energy policy journey towards a sustainable, net-zero future!