Government launches Solar Taskforce to drive clean power strategy

• Solar power will be a driving force of the government’s 2030 clean power mission
• The Solar Taskforce’s projects will focus on homegrown and renewable energy projects
• Initial meeting focused on renewed efforts to expand solar energy initiatives

The DESNZ says it is important for policymakers and industry leaders to work together. 

Collaboration between the government and solar energy industry will be key to making the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030, Ed Miliband, Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, claimed during the first meeting of the new Solar Taskforce meeting.

The taskforce brings together leading figures from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), industry and regulatory organisations, and will focus relentlessly on accelerating the delivery of solar energy across the UK. 

Miliband described the Solar Taskforce as “essential for accelerating action and innovation in our journey towards clean power by 2030”.

He explained that to achieve its clean power aims, the government would have to work “in lockstep” with the solar industry. 

“The taskforce has shared ambitions to go further and faster, and as solar is one of the cheapest sources of power to build and operate, it is just common sense to make sure it powers even more UK homes and businesses,” Miliband stated.

“This will not only help cut carbon emissions but communities stand to benefit too much from secure homegrown energy and lower energy costs.” 

The Solar Taskforce’s projects will focus on homegrown and renewable energy projects, including solar, which will help build the UK’s energy independence and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

The first meeting focused on renewed efforts to expand solar energy initiatives, including actions to develop ethical, resilient and innovative supply chains and to ensure a skilled and properly resourced workforce is in place to scale up solar installations across the UK. 

Solar Energy UK said “this comes after plans were announced in July for a ‘solar rooftop revolution’, which will see millions more homes nationwide equipped with solar panels, significantly boosting solar power’s contribution to the UK’s renewable energy transition”. 

In just a few months, the government has also allocated record amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the past 14 years combined. 

Chris Hewett, CEO, Solar Energy UK, said: “I am excited to be working with the new secretary of state on getting the solar taskforce back to work for the country. 

“More solar power means cheaper, more secure and more sustainable energy, alongside jobs and economic growth.”