The UK government may fail to meet its 2030 clean electricity target unless it accelerates the expansion of power generation and grid infrastructure, a House of Lords committee said in a report published on Tuesday.
The Industry and Regulators Committee warned that the target to decarbonise the electricity system by at least 95% by 2030 is at risk, citing delays in planning, regulatory bottlenecks, and a lack of strategic coordination.
“The electricity grid is an essential part of modern life for households, businesses and transport links,” said committee chair Baroness Taylor of Bolton. “Time is already running out, and there is no room for complacency. The government and the sector must ramp up their efforts to have a chance of success.”
The report, titled “Power Struggle: Delivering Great Britain’s Electricity Grid Infrastructure”, said Ofgem’s recent shift toward prioritising strategically important projects was welcome, but warned that the current planning system remains a major hurdle. It also called for improved skills and resources across government and regulatory bodies.
The committee supported reforms to the grid connection queue but noted that the focus on projects required before 2030 may delay developments needed for the following decade, including solar power and battery storage.
In a bid to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the report backed the implementation of regional zonal pricing—so long as the risks of transition are effectively managed. The committee emphasised the need for transitional support for generators and consumers who may be negatively impacted.
The report also recommended that revenues from planning-related fees be ring-fenced for local planning authorities, and that the government clarify whether it plans to prioritise grid connections for strategically important sectors or industries.
To ensure accountability, the committee urged the government to publish biannual progress updates using clear metrics, including grid project delivery. It also called for guidance to Ofgem on how to balance affordable bills, secure supply, and the investment needed for decarbonisation.
Recent international power outages, including incidents in Spain, Portugal and at Heathrow Airport, were cited in the report as reminders of the importance of reliable electricity infrastructure.
“Given the scale of changes needed to the planning, regulation and delivery of energy infrastructure, and the UK’s historic record of delivering major infrastructure projects, our report questions the feasibility of meeting the clean power target,” Baroness Taylor added.
