To accelerate the development of new renewable energy projects, the UK has developed an energy security strategy that includes wind, nuclear and solar, which account for 95% of electricity generation.

The strategy builds on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution and will work alongside the Net Zero Strategy to drive private sector spending of £100 billion ($130.23 billion) into new UK industries ), an unprecedented investment.

The strategy is designed to address rising global energy prices caused by the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Britain's goal is to cut its reliance on fossil fuel imports, which are subject to fluctuating gas prices in international markets.

This strategy includes assisting consumers in paying their electricity bills, improving energy efficiency, supporting the oil and gas industry, and developing renewable energy.

solar energy

As part of the new strategy, the UK will review existing regulations for solar projects, especially residential projects and commercial rooftop projects. The UK currently has 14GW of installed solar capacity, and the UK government aims to grow the industry fivefold by 2035.

For ground-based solar energy projects, the government plans to revise planning regulations, strengthen the policy of developing unprotected land, and strive to achieve effective land use by encouraging the selection of large-scale projects on previously developed or lower-value land.

Government plans encourage solar to co-exist with other functions such as agriculture, onshore wind or energy storage to maximize land use efficiency.

For rooftop solar, in order to reduce costs and increase employment opportunities, this strategic plan radically simplifies the planning process, negotiates the relevant permitting development rights, and considers the best way to utilize the roof of the public realm.

The UK government has scrapped value-added tax (VAT) on solar modules installed in UK homes, working to boost low-cost financing for retail lenders, roof development and energy efficiency measures. As part of this strategy, the government plans to set performance standards to make renewable energy projects, including solar, a requirement for new homes and buildings.

Mercom has reported that the European Commission has outlined plans to find alternative natural gas supplies and improve energy efficiency in the coming months, while adding greener sources of electricity in the medium to long term.