Clean Power 2030 – What it means for the energy sector

The UK’s clean power future is taking shape – are you ready? 

The UK is undergoing one of the most significant energy transitions in its history. Clean Power 2030 (CP2030) marks a major step toward decarbonising our electricity grid, accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels, and integrating more renewable energy than ever before. This ambitious goal will fundamentally reshape how large energy users and generators connect to and interact with the grid. 

At Cundall, we are helping clients across the energy sector – from data centres to renewable developers – navigate these changes and take advantage of new opportunities. So, what does CP2030 mean for your business, and how can you prepare?

The key Changes under CP2030 

CP2030 isn’t just a vision - it’s backed by concrete reforms that will reshape the UK’s electricity infrastructure. Some of the biggest changes include:

• A massive scale-up of renewables – wind, solar, and storage must expand rapidly to replace fossil generation.
• New transmission and distribution upgrades – the grid needs reinforcements to accommodate variable renewables.
• Faster, more efficient grid connections – new reforms aim to prioritise “ready-to-go” projects.
• Interconnection and flexibility – cross-border energy trading, energy storage, and demand-side flexibility will play a bigger role.

What this means for our customers' data centre clients (demand-side customers)

Data centres are among the largest energy consumers in the UK, with power demands ranging from 50MW to 1000MW+. Under CP2030, the way these large-scale facilities access power is evolving:

1. Grid capacity constraints could impact site selection

• The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) will guide where new grid connections can happen.
• Data centre developers may need to be more flexible on location if capacity is unavailable in key hubs.

2. Connection readiness is critical

• New connection reforms mean projects must be fully permitted and funded before securing a grid slot.
• Developers need to engage early with HV and grid specialists to ensure they meet new requirements.

3. On-site energy and storage may become more important

• Large users may be required to adopt on-site renewables, storage, or demand-side flexibility to balance the grid.
• Battery storage co-location could help data centres secure priority connections.

What Cundall can do for you:

• HV design and substation planning to ensure a smooth connection process.
• Site feasibility assessments to align with the SSEP and network planning.
• Energy storage and flexibility solutions to future-proof your power supply.

What does CP2020 mean for renewable developers and battery energy storage systems operators (generation-side customers)

Renewable developers—especially those in battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind, solar, gas peakers, carbon capture, and hydrogen—are at the heart of CP2030. But accessing the grid will not be as simple as before.
 

1. The grid connection process is being reformed

• Speculative projects will be removed from the queue, freeing up capacity for viable developments.
• BESS and hybrid renewable-storage projects could gain priority access due to their grid flexibility benefits.

2. New transmission infrastructure is on the way

• Upgrades at 275kV and 400kV are planned to support large-scale renewable integration.
• Developers must engage with transmission operators early to align project timelines with grid reinforcements.

3. Hybrid and flexible assets will have an advantage

• Projects that combine generation and storage could receive preferential treatment in securing grid connections.
• Co-location strategies and flexible grid services will be key to success.

What Cundall can do for you:

• Grid connection strategy and planning to navigate CP2030 reforms.
• Substation and HV design at 275kV and 400kV for large-scale renewable projects.
• Battery storage integration and flexibility solutions for hybrid developments.

Navigating CP2030 – let’s talk

CP2030 is not just about challenges—it’s about opportunities. The projects that plan ahead, adapt to new policies, and align with national priorities will be the ones that thrive.

At Cundall, we are helping demand-side and generation-side customers stay ahead of these changes, securing grid connections, designing future-ready infrastructure, and ensuring resilience in an evolving energy landscape.

If you’re planning a project and need expert advice on CP2030’s impact, let’s start the conversation..