The United Kingdom is cutting its self‐inflicted shackles and moving toward a greener‐energy future. According to the country’s power sector forecasts, by 2035, the country’s cumulative renewable power capacity will reach 172.7 gigawatts (GW). Much of this growth can be credited to record-breaking offshore wind and solar power expansion, as well as strong clean energy policies in many states. New analysis reveals that the UK’s renewable power capacity surpassed 61GW as of early 2024. It’s expected to do so at a blistering 9.9% compound annual growth rate over the next ten years.
This ambitious target is testimony to the UK government’s determination to lead the fight against climate change. It’s a signal of their commitment to moving to a low-carbon electricity future. The future of our clean energy sector is bright. While the change is rapid, gigantic investments and ambitious policies are setting the stage for even faster growth.
Expanding Renewable Energy Sources
One of the main factors behind the UK’s renewable energy boom is the huge increase predicted in solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. Forecasts off of that basis calculate that solar PV will go from 20.2GW in 2024 to an astounding 68.4GW in 2035. This growth will do best on varied efforts. These range from Contracts for Difference (CfD) backed utility-scale projects, to commercial rooftop installations, through to community energy initiatives.
Offshore wind capacity is set to explode over the next few years. It is projected to grow from 15.8GW in 2024 to just under 58.3GW by 2035. This expansion is propelled by a booming offshore wind pipeline. It’s supported by a strong pipeline of floating offshore wind projects and major investments in port infrastructure and local manufacturing plans. The UK government continues to prioritize offshore wind as a cornerstone of its clean energy transformation, reflecting its potential to generate sustainable power.
Not only solar and offshore wind—onshore wind is poised for historic increases too. Projections estimate that onshore wind capacity will increase from 16.2GW in 2024 to 31.7GW by 2035. This record-breaking award will add to the UK’s robust renewable energy pipeline.
Challenges and Investments in Nuclear Energy
Although renewable sources are set to continue expanding, the outlook for nuclear capacity looks less bright. With an expected drop-off from 5.9GW in 2024 down to around 4.1GW by 2035. The UK government is supercharging its nuclear energy sector with billions of pounds’ worth of investments. Government has dedicated £14.2 billion to ambitious projects such as Sizewell C and the Great British Nuclear programme for small modular reactors.
This investment will reduce strain on the system and support reliability while balancing the intermittent output from new renewable resources. In addition to five other critical roles, thermal gas will be key in keeping this balance. It will help ensure that the UK’s energy system stays reliable, even as more renewable capacity comes online.
Policy Framework Supporting Growth
The speedy development of renewables in the UK is supported by the policy environment. The UK government’s Clean Power 2030 mission and Net Zero Strategy both establish explicit emissions reduction and low-carbon energy provision goals. The long-term CfD mechanism has been crucial to the UK achieving great success at attracting investments and bringing costs down for renewable technologies.
The UK is well on its way to achieving those ambitious targets. It is more than willing to defend progress in moving towards a low-carbon electricity system. With ongoing investments and clear policy direction, the country is on track to meet its 2050 net-zero target while continuing to lead as a global player in renewable energy.