The Solar Trade Association has criticised the lack of support for solar in UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution.
The trade body said the government seemed to be experiencing a “blind spot” on solar, which was “noticeably absent” from the plans, despite being the most cost-effective electricity generating technology for the foreseeable future according to the government’s own forecasts.
It added that Johnson’s announcement was largely a repackaging of policies already announced and is calling on the government to pledge a target of 40GW of solar by 2030, triple today’s capacity, to support a green recovery and the transition to a net zero economy.
STA chief executive Chris Hewett (pictured) said: “It is disappointing that Number 10 has yet to grasp the opportunity presented by solar in the UK.
“Not only is it set to be the cheapest power source for years to come, it also provides good jobs and business opportunities up and down the country.
“Whilst the Prime Minister might have a blind spot for solar, decisions in the market are likely to outpace his thinking.
“Today the City of London signed a 15-year deal to fund a new solar park, residential solar installations have already bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, all major utilities are expanding their solar ambitions and costs continue to fall.
“Delivering net-zero is now as much about economics as it is policy.”
Meanwhile, trade body Scottish Renewables welcomed the prime minister’s “recognition” that renewable energy would be “at the heart” of the plans, but said it was vital that the infrastructure and regulation changes required to underpin the required shift are prioritised.
Policy director Morag Watson said proposals to alter to the way the electricity network is paid for currently mean “Scottish generation faces a complex future”.
She added: “The UK needs a diverse range of power generation, both in terms of technology and geography, to provide the energy needed to realise these plans, so recognition of Scotland’s first-mover advantage in innovative technologies is also positive.
“More support to cement that advantage, particularly for tidal and wave energy, is also required.
“The development of green hydrogen will complement increasing electrification of the energy system by creating a more flexible, resilient and integrated system, and plans for its growth are welcome.”
In response to the reissuing of a 40GW by 2030 target for offshore wind, Wood renewables innovation director Alan Mortimer called for speeding up the consenting and development timeline and providing more clarity on the frequency, timing and parameters of future auctions.
He added: “The targets set around offshore and floating wind are eminently achievable if the right policy levers are in place to both attract the funding required and accelerate the rate at which these projects are deployed.”