The UK could triple solar capacity and double its onshore wind power by 2030 under new targets being proposed by BEIS Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The business secretary has put forward the measures in the government’s long-anticipated energy security white paper, according to the FT.
Solar capacity would increase from its current 14GW to 50GW and onshore wind from 15GW to 30GW by 2030 under the proposals.
If ratified, they would be the first government-led targets for the technologies in the UK.
The FT also reported that offshore wind would get a boost under Kwarteng’s plans – rising from a target of 40GW established in Boris Johnson’s green 10-point plan to 50GW by 2030.
Publication of the white paper is delayed, with the paper reporting that the Treasury is continuing to debate the cost of underwriting and co-investing in new nuclear power stations.