2024 saw a record-breaking year for renewable energy in the UK, summarised here.
Although only a month into the new year, analysis has suggested that 2025 (and 2026) both need to be record-breaking years to achieve the UK’s goal of 100% of the electricity demand from renewable sources.
Figure 1: Wind Turbines.
Doubling-Down
In order to achieve the UK’s target for 2030, the next two rounds of Contracts for Difference (CfD) in 2025 and 2026 both need to be record-breaking years, with at least double the results of those achieved in 2024. The allocations must collectively secure up to 52GW of renewable capacity, including 20GW of offshore wind, 7-8GW of onshore wind, and 23-24GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. In comparison to the 2024 auction, the allocation had secured 5GW of offshore wind, 900MW of onshore wind, and 3.3GW of solar PV. [1]
Accommodating to Achieve Targets
Back-to-back (to-back) record breaking years is no easy task in any capacity. Therefore, in aid to achieve this, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced reforms to the CfD scheme for 2025, with suggested relaxed offshore wind eligibility criteria and extended contract durations.
Even with relaxed eligibility criteria, other hurdles will remain including funding, international competition for investment, lengthy grid connection queues, and supply chain bottlenecks. [1]
2050 In-sight
The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. [2]
Tim Dixon, Senior consultant at Cornwall Insight, said: “The government’s target is ambitious, and the scale of renewables procurement needed in the next two auctions would be nothing short of record-breaking. With growing investment in contracts for difference auctions and a stronger emphasis on expanding low-carbon technologies, we have a real opportunity to drive down emissions and move closer to our 2050 net zero ambitions as a result.” [1]
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References
Figure 1: https://unsplash.com/photos/closeup-photography-of-mountain-cliff-near-body-of-water-8tDCu988rYQ
