News

Update on Government and GB Energy announcements

4 December 2025

The government has published a strategic update on Great British Energy (GBE). The plan sets out an ambitious vision for the next five years, including:

• Supporting over 1,000 local and community energy projects
• Delivering at least 15 GW of clean energy generation and storage by 2030
• Mobilising £15bn in private finance
• Creating at least 10,000 jobs, with a focus on a just transition
• Investing in UK supply chains through the Energy Engineered in the UK programme

The Plan also gives some more detail on the upcoming Local Power Plan, which is set to be published next year. This joint plan aims to boost locally owned renewable projects and give communities a real stake in the clean energy transition and will deliver grants, concessional loans, blended finance, and shared-ownership structures for community energy organisations. We’ll be engaging to help ensure the plan fulfils its potential and enables the community energy sector to thrive and scale. We’ll share a more detailed response to GB Energy’s strategic plan next week. In the meantime, it’s heartening to see community energy firmly on the national agenda – and we’ll keep advocating for meaningful support that empowers communities to lead the way.

CEE Chief Executive Emma Bridge said:

“GB Energy’s Strategic plan is a positive step towards an energy system that puts people at its heart. It represents a big show of confidence in community energy as a vital partner in achieving a clean power system. The government and GB Energy have recognised the potential of community energy to give people a real stake in the UK’s journey to net zero.

The Plan pledges support for over 1,000 local and community energy projects by 2030. This is a good start, but community energy can deliver much more.
The Local Power Plan, due to be published next year, will see the community energy sector empowered to thrive with grants, concessional loans, blended finance, and shared-ownership structures. The Energy Secretary said he wants to see the “biggest expansion of community energy in British history” and, if pitched at the right level, this policy package can see the sector return to growing exponentially again.”

We look forward to continuing to work with GB Energy and DESNZ to help maximise the impact of the Local Power Plan.”

The Government also published their policy paper – Energising Britain: Your voice in our Clean Energy Superpower Mission

The government continues to recognise the vital role of community energy in the UK’s journey to net zero. The latest announcements highlight that “change often begins at the local level” – with community groups, local government and grassroots organisations all playing a key part in driving progress on decarbonisation.

DESNZ has also launched a new Clean Energy Mission webpage, aiming to give households clear and impartial advice about cutting bills, reducing emissions and taking everyday action.