Government Consults on Quadrupling Renewable Capacity by 2050

The government has suggested that up 120GW of solar power could be installed to quadruple the UK's renewable capacity and help the country meet its statutory net-zero target.

The government has launched a consultation, seeking views on how to finance and deploy a massive growth in renewable capacity over the next 30 years. 

In several of the scenarios outlined in the consultation, solar PV power takes a key role in generating clean energy, with the government projecting that 80-120GW must be installed by 2050. This is in contrast to previous strategies, which have emphasised wind power.

However, solar is now the “cheapest electricity in history,” according to the International Energy Agency. The UK government’s own forecasts of electricity costs project that the cost of solar power could fall to between £28 and £39 per MW by 2040, cheaper than all other renewable technologies.

The 120GW target aligns with the Committee on Climate Change (CCC)’s new advice, which says 75-95GW of solar capacity will be required for net-zero. The National Infrastructure Commission has argued that more than 120GW of solar will be necessary.

Responses to the consultation from stakeholders and industry will inform changes to future Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions, through which renewable generators compete for subsidies. The government has already expanded the amount of renewable energy to be procured in the fourth CfD round, from 5.8GW to 12GW.

Additionally, more technologies than before are eligible for the fourth round, to open in late 2021. Onshore wind and solar projects will be able to bid for subsidies the first time since 2015 and floating offshore projects will be eligible for the first time.

The solar industry was enthusiastic about the consultation. Solar Trade Association (STA) chief executive Chris Hewett said: “Solar’s contribution to a decarbonised electricity system and net-zero economy is clear. We look forward to seeing the Government’s plan to maximise the potential of cheap onshore renewables and clean energy storage.”

The UK currently has 13.44GW of solar power. Several large solar farms are under development, including the 350MW Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent, granted planning permission in March. 

However, installation of small-scale PV systems, which contribute a fifth of all capacity, has plummeted following the end of the Feed-in-Tariff system last year and its replacement by the less generous Smart Export Guarantee. 43% fewer small-scale PV systems were installed on homes and businesses in February 2020 compared to February 2019.

Solar power has been breaking records this year, assisted by sunny weather and clean area during the spring lockdown. Solar met nearly 30% of the UK’s electricity one day in April and contributed to the country’s nearly 68-day coal-free run.