The new Labour government has pledged to deliver Clean Power by 2030 working with the private sector to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind. They are looking to invest in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and marine energy, and ensure the long-term energy storage our country needs.

One of Labour’s big pledges was to set up a publicly owned clean power company (Great British Energy). On 25 July, Labour put forward a Bill to make this happen. The Government has published five key functions for Great British Energy:

• Project development – leading projects through development stages to speed up their delivery, whilst capturing more value for the British public;
• Project investment – investing in energy projects alongside the private sector, helping get them off the ground;
• Local Power Plan – supporting local energy generation projects through working with local authorities, combined authorities, and communities;
• Supply chains – building supply chains across the UK, boosting energy independence, and creating jobs; and
• Great British Nuclear – exploring how Great British Energy and Great British Nuclear will work together, including considering how Great British Nuclear functions will fit with Great British Energy.

Labour’s government has committed to reforming the planning system, which will be crucial for obtaining approvals for large projects necessary to meet the 2030 target. Additionally, strengthening the grid will be vital to ensure these projects can achieve timely grid connections. All of these factors necessitate comprehensive risk assessments, along with support and guidance from the legal sector.

Looking forward, Labour’s commitment to the green energy transition presents an exceptional opportunity for the energy sector. This will drive a growing demand for legal advice to facilitate the implementation of the clean energy bill and position Britain as a green energy superpower.

Labour's green energy pledge could lead to significant changes in UK energy law, focusing on sustainability, boosting renewable energy production, and reaching ambitious climate objectives. These reforms will influence the legal framework surrounding energy production, consumption, and regulation in the UK.