UK Expects Photovoltaic Installed Capacity To Reach 45-47GW By 2030

The latest Clean Power Action Plan of the UK government proposes to achieve a significant increase in renewable energy installed capacity by 2030, with a focus on developing offshore wind power and solar photovoltaics. The plan specifies that the target for photovoltaic installed capacity by 2030 is 45-47GW, while emphasizing the possibility of breaking through the upper limit of 47GW.

As of the second quarter of 2024, the cumulative installed capacity of solar photovoltaics in the UK is 16.6GW, with an additional 23.8GW under construction or signed projects. Solar Energy UK believes that the target of 45GW is relatively conservative, and solar photovoltaics have the ability to significantly exceed this level.

The plan includes promoting the installation of solar energy systems in warehouses, industrial and outdoor parking lots, and starting research on the construction of photovoltaic carports in parking lots by 2025. In addition, solar technology has been included in policies such as Warm Homes Local Grant and Warm Homes Social Housing Fund, and will be further expanded in the new version plan in the future.

In addition to solar photovoltaics, wind power is also a core component of the plan, with the goal of achieving a cumulative installed capacity of 43-50GW by the end of 2030, while onshore wind power has an installed capacity of 27-29GW.

The flexible power regulation capability is also part of the plan, which plans to install 23-27GW of battery energy storage, 4-6GW of long-term energy storage, and develop flexible technologies such as gas carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen energy. In addition, approximately 35GW of natural gas reserve capacity will ensure the safety of power supply.