Solar power will be a key driver in the UK’s clean energy mission by 2030, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced during the relaunch of the government’s Solar Taskforce on Wednesday, 2 October.
The taskforce, which includes leaders from DESNZ, industry, and regulatory bodies, aims to accelerate the expansion of solar energy across the country. This will help boost the UK’s energy independence, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and protect consumer bills while providing clean power.
With a commitment to increasing solar capacity by 2030, the taskforce plans to deliver an updated solar roadmap in the coming months. The first meeting focused on scaling up solar installations by developing resilient supply chains and ensuring a skilled workforce.
This initiative follows the government’s announcement in July of a ‘solar rooftop revolution,’ aiming to install solar panels on millions of homes, increasing solar power’s role in the UK’s renewable energy transition and lowering household bills.
In recent months, the government approved 2GW of solar projects, surpassing the total amount approved over the last 14 years.
Miliband emphasised the taskforce’s role in accelerating the clean energy transition, stating: “The relaunch of the Solar Taskforce is essential for accelerating action and innovation in our journey towards clean power by 2030… It is just common sense to make sure [solar] powers even more UK homes and businesses.”
Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK, echoed this sentiment: “More solar power means cheaper, more secure, and more sustainable energy, alongside jobs and economic growth.”
The forthcoming solar roadmap will tackle challenges such as skills and access to the electricity grid, positioning the UK to meet its solar energy goals.
[Image: Chris Hewett, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP and Gemma Grimes. Image credit: Solar Energy UK]
