2025 outlook: the countdown to clean power 2030 begins

The countdown is on – with five years until 2030, the era of net zero implementation is well and truly here. Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs at ECA, looks at what’s in store for the electrotechnical industry this year.

There’s little doubt 2025 is a watershed for the transition to net zero. With just five years to go, decisions made this year will determine whether the UK will achieve clean power by 2030. The publication of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan at the tail end of last year sets out the priorities for government.

There is good news. If you have a project waiting for planning consent and grid connection that will be delivered before 2030, it is likely you will now jump to the head of the queue. ECA has been advocating to alleviate these bottlenecks since 2022. We are also expecting to see an uplift in activity relating to the Warm Homes Plan, which includes the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pump installation. Something else to look out for is a final decision on the delayed Review of Electricity Market Arrangements.

While it is good to see movement on a number of regulatory issues, there is much that is not included in the Action Plan. The price of electricity remains stubbornly high, and there is no sign a review of electricity taxation is close, despite work by ECA and others. Unfortunately, safety remains the province of other government departments – this is a matter of concern, given the speed of change in our industry.

The importance of safety and technical competence

Low carbon technology brings new legislation, standards, and equipment, and it’s fair to say that many installers are unfamiliar with their new responsibilities. Contractors are now expected to verify that low carbon technologies meet requirements, as well as designing and installing new systems. In addition, they must ensure safe operation and maintenance. One of the most obvious errors is a failure to carry out an assessment of existing systems. This is true for both electrical capacity and structural loading – a mistake which can be avoided by employing a ‘competent person’, as designated in the Building Safety Act.

With the speed of change, a major concern is the potential for uncontrolled work carried out by unqualified contractors. Safety and technical competence are vital; a lack of training can cause a threat to life, as well as property. As electrification accelerates, this danger must be at the front and centre of new policy and regulation.

A safe transition to net zero

This coming year ECA is shining a spotlight on the safe transition to net zero.

A digital series, ‘Electrifying our Future’, aimed at policy makers will emphasise the paramount importance of safety. It will explore related advancements in skills development, professional competence, business resilience, and policy and regulation to keep up with the pace of change necessary.

The series launches in the House of Lords at the end of February.

Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs at ECA

eca.co.uk

This article appeared in Electrotechnical News Jan/Feb 2025 edition – read it here