Since the launch of UKWA’s landmark report into the benefits and barriers of solar PV on warehouse rooftops last year, the subject of solar power has increasingly been in the news – most recently, the announcement that UK universities and tech companies are to receive £4.3m in government funding to develop space-based solar power.
It has become a hot topic for government, who have set up a Solar Taskforce to drive forward the actions needed by government and industry to meet the solar deployment ambition of 70 gigawatts by 2035. The Taskforce is chaired by the Rt Hon. Graham Stuart MP, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside our friend and colleague Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK.
It was Chris who suggested that UKWA should be invited to be part of the rooftop subgroup reporting to the Taskforce, and I’m delighted to be able to represent our sector in this important initiative.
The Taskforce brings together key players from government, industry, regulatory and other relevant organisations to drive forward increases in rooftop as well as ground mount solar needed to meet the expectation of a fivefold increase in solar PV deployment (up to 70GW) by 2035. The taskforce will run up to February 2024, and its key objectives are to develop a clear strategic roadmap, identify the processes and measures required to unlock solar deployment and secure investment to facilitate continued progress on cost reduction and ensure investment in UK supply chains, jobs, skills, innovation and infrastructure.
As the industry trade association leading the charge on solar power, UKWA has been working closely with Solar Energy UK and we’ve been busy spreading the word about the benefits of solar PV on warehouse rooftops wherever we can.
Last month, I was pleased to take part in the UK Solar Summit event, where the Chairs of the Taskforce provided an update on progress to date, and Dr. Alan Whitehead MP, Shadow Minister for Energy and the Green New Deal, laid out the Labour Party’s vision for the UK solar industry.
As we heard at our UKWA Annual Lunch & Awards event last month, with the prospect of a general election on the horizon, all parties are listening carefully to what businesses want to hear. It’s for us all to make our voices heard loud and clear. At UKWA, we will continue to advocate on behalf of our sector for investment in the National Grid infrastructure, for the issues with DNOs to be addressed and for funding and tax incentives to support the industry as it transitions to Net Zero with solar PV.
On 7th September , UKWA will hold its first ever Solar Showcase, bringing together expert speakers to discuss how to embrace this opportunity. Join us to find out how to drive down electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint with solar PV.
Clare Bottle
UKWA, CEO
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