The Clean Power Action Plan, set out by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on 13 December, sets the objective of reaching 45GW-47GW solar generation capacity by 2030. The plan includes two important initiatives:
- Solar Canopies in Outdoor Carparks
Outdoor carparks provide the potential to deploy solar canopies that offer clean electricity, support electric vehicle charging, and provide shelter for cars. Following the implementation of a new permitted development right, the installation of solar canopies in non-domestic off-street carparks in England has become easier and quicker. The government will assess the potential to drive the construction of solar canopies on outdoor carparks over a certain size through a call for evidence next year.
- Rooftop Solar Potential in Warehousing and Industrial Sectors
There is significant potential for rooftop solar installation across the UK’s warehouse and industrial sectors. Research commissioned by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) indicates that the UK’s largest 20% of warehouses alone can provide 75 million square metres of roof space. All warehousing roof space combined has the potential to support up to 15 GW of rooftop solar capacity.
See the full report: Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
