The UK’s Solar Taskforce has been relaunched, as the country’s new government rolls out plans to invest in nationwide solar energy at a faster pace.
A government-industry body established in 2023, the then-government collaborated with industry stakeholders to address the UK’s solar issues.
Part of this scheme included the Solar Roadmap, which laid out the practical path required to achieve the country’s goal of 70GW of solar generation capacity by 2035.
Chris Hewett, trade association Solar Energy UK’s chief executive, has resumed his role as co-chair of the body – now working alongside new Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Through this partnership, the Solar Roadmap will be revised as the new Labour government’s goal is 50GW of generation capacity by 2030.
Hewett comments: “A lot of the groundwork for the Solar Roadmap has been done already. I have every confidence that we will be able to publish it within a few months.”
“However, the new Government’s eagerness to generate more solar power means redoubling efforts to make the electricity networks fit for purpose, equip Britain’s workforce with the right skills for the solar rollout, and invest in a UK supply chain in areas like batteries, steel mounting and engineering, procurement & construction.
“This will ensure the UK economy really gains from the growth in clean power.”
The news follows Saturday’s announcement of a “rooftop revolution” under the new government leadership, and the approval of three large solar farms in rural England.
Industry stakeholders such as Solar Energy UK have responded positively to the announcement, whereas sceptics remain concerned about food security.
