A solar-powered UK: Roadmap outlines path to 2030 objective

Marking a significant milestone for the UK solar industry, the Government has published the Solar Roadmap for a ‘United Kingdom powered by Solar’. The document, developed over two years of work by a broad taskforce of government and industry bodies, sets out the road to 45-47GW of solar to be deployed in the UK by 2030.

Lightsource bp has been working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) since the Solar Taskforce was initiated in April 2023, alongside Solar Energy UK and a wide range of other major players in the industry. The Roadmap reflects collective efforts from many teams across the sector, and Lightsource bp’s presence on the Taskforce was spearheaded by Alex Desouza, General Counsel for EMEA, who served as a core group member and chaired the Taskforce’s Communication Subgroup.

The Roadmap lays out a path towards the UK’s 2030 targets, identifying key actions for Government, Ofgem, industry and trade bodies to accelerate solar deployment – including in areas such as networks, supply chains, planning and permitting. To oversee the roadmap’s execution, a new joint Government-industry Solar Council will be created.

Alex Desouza, EMEA General Counsel, Lightsource bp, said: “The publication of the solar roadmap comes at a big moment for the UK energy sector — and especially for solar. Solar is key to the UK’s future energy mix, and has a critical role to play in delivering secure, low-cost power. The deployment of more solar and battery storage helps keep energy costs competitive for UK businesses, boosting economic growth and making companies more resilient.

As per the Solar Roadmap’s aims and ambitions, the focus is to shift to delivery for CP30. This is a real opportunity for the UK to align behind a shared goal — bringing communities together, supporting farmers, and accelerating the transition to renewable and domestic generation.”