Labour has approved renewable energy projects at double the rate of the previous Conservative government, yet Britain's transition to cheap, clean power remains slow. A Guardian data analysis reveals that despite a record number of approvals, hurdles between planning and operation threaten the 2030 target of 95% zero-carbon electricity.
Approvals surge but delivery lags
In its first two years, Labour approved renewable projects at twice the rate of the Tories' final two years. The government lifted the effective ban on onshore wind in week one and reformed the grid connection queue, clearing hundreds of 'zombie' projects. Since January, 700 wind, solar, hydro and battery storage projects have been offered a connection date before 2030, accounting for over half the capacity needed for the target.
However, analysts at Cornwall Insight warn that hitting the target requires near-flawless execution of complex infrastructure, which is impossible given real-world risks. LCP Delta research found Britain's clean electricity could meet only 83% of demand by 2030, with 2035 more realistic under current progress.
Gas remains a key challenge
While coal has been phased out, gas still supplied nearly 27% of electricity last year to balance intermittent renewables. The 2030 target is a manifesto commitment, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham is unlikely to retreat, especially with net-zero champion Ed Miliband as energy secretary.
Even if the target is missed, LCP Delta's Sam Hollister said the energy system will undergo 'a profound transformation', with renewables providing over 70% of power in a few years, halving carbon emissions compared to 2025. 'For consumers, one of the biggest benefits will be greater protection from external gas price shocks,' he added.
Investment confidence key
Tom Edwards of Cornwall Insight said: 'Continuing to make strong progress on the clean energy rollout is vital, not only to build a more secure energy system, but also to make energy more affordable.' He noted that fewer hours where gas sets the wholesale price directly benefits household bills.
For developers like SSE, which is investing £33bn in grids and homegrown energy, the target's existence matters more than its achievement. A spokesperson said: 'It gives businesses the confidence to invest for the long term.'
Government response
A government spokesperson said: 'In the face of the second fossil fuel crisis of this decade, the answer is clear: we need to go further and faster for clean, homegrown power we control.'
The analysis used data from the Renewable Energy Planning Database and Energy Trends, covering projects up to March 2026. Grid connection data from the Energy Networks Association runs to July 2026.
