Record approvals spark momentum
Britain has approved a record wave of renewable energy projects, marking a major step towards the government’s ambition of making 95% of the country’s electricity carbon-free by 2030.
In the second quarter of 2025, planning permission was granted for more than 16.1 gigawatts of new renewable capacity across 323 projects – almost triple the figure from the same period last year.
The surge underlines growing investor confidence and the Labour government’s determination to speed up the shift from fossil fuels.
Government push for clean energy
Since entering office, ministers have tried to cut red tape and streamline planning procedures, responding to long-standing complaints from developers that bureaucracy was slowing progress.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering reforms to make it harder for opponents to block projects on environmental grounds, while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has already given the green light to several solar farms.
The approvals include major schemes such as SSE’s Berwick Bank offshore wind project off Scotland, which is expected to become one of the largest in Europe.
Battery boom
Alongside renewable approvals, the UK is witnessing a rapid rise in battery energy storage projects, seen as vital to balance electricity supplies and keep power flowing when wind or solar output dips.
Between April and June alone, developers filed over 100 applications for battery systems covering 8.4GW of capacity – more than double last year’s figure.
The government estimates the UK will need between 23 and 27GW of battery storage by 2030, up from just 6GW today. Over the past year, applications have been submitted for around 30GW across 400 schemes, putting the country on track to meet its storage goals.
Industry confidence
Energy minister Michael Shanks welcomed the surge in battery projects, saying: “Electricity storage is vital for us to utilise cheap renewable energy when we need it most. This growth will cut reliance on fossil fuels, deliver energy security and bring down bills.”
Falling battery costs, driven by imports from China, and the chance for investors to profit from grid-balancing services have fuelled industry interest. Average annual revenues from storage quadrupled to £92,000 per megawatt of capacity by early 2025, according to Cornwall Insight.
Challenges ahead
Despite the upbeat data, challenges remain. Grid connection delays continue to hold back some projects, while legal disputes and opposition from local communities often complicate development.
Analysts warn that without faster progress on grid upgrades, Britain could struggle to convert planning approvals into actual clean power capacity. Nonetheless, developers see battery projects as “low-hanging fruit”, with smaller visual impacts and an easier route through the planning system compared to large wind or solar farms.
For now, the record approvals represent a major milestone in the UK’s green transition. If delivered, they will help power homes, stabilise the grid, and give Britain a realistic shot at hitting its ambitious 2030 clean power target.
