Renewable energy

Renewable energy

Renewable energy generation is the generation of energy from an infinite source. The most common renewable energy sources include: the sun (in the case of solar energy generation), the wind (in the case of wind energy generation), bioenergy (organic matter burned as a fuel) and hydroelectric (including tidal energy generation). Renewable energy generation plays an important role in helping the transition to net zero because it produces little to no harmful emissions when used.

Offshore wind energy generation

Offshore wind energy generation involves capturing moving air through the use of turbines positioned in bodies of water, typically out at sea. Offshore wind turbines are made up of rotating blades connected to a rotor and generator, which are mounted on fixed or floating platforms and anchored to the seabed. When the wind blows, it spins the rotor, causing the generator to convert mechanical energy into electricity. This electricity is then transmitted to the electrical grid through underwater cables for consumption by end-users.

In England:

•
where the output capacity of on offshore wind farm is less than one MW, a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) under the

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Energy News

Commission announces new EU PFAS monitoring rules for drinking water

The European Commission has announced that new EU-wide rules under the recast Drinking Water Directive have come into force requiring Member States to systematically monitor and report per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Effective from 12 January 2026, Member States must comply with harmonised limit values, take corrective measures where exceedances occur, and inform both the public and the Commission. The directive introduces simplified reporting and marks the first EU-wide PFAS monitoring. Technical guidelines issued in 2024 support consistent measurement methods. Adopted in 2020 and transposed by January 2023, the directive aims to guarantee safe drinking water and uphold high standards in line with the Zero Pollution Action Plan and Water Resilience Strategy.

DESNZ opens CPPA call for evidence as policy work continues

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) have launched an open call for evidence on how the market for corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs) in Great Britain can be developed and improved, including removing barriers to growth and drawing on international best practice. Consultation closes on 6 March 2026.

Energy weekly highlights—8 January 2026

This week's edition of Energy weekly highlights includes: coverage of the UK–EU exploratory talks on the UK’s participation in the EU’s internal electricity market, published in late December 2025. We also highlight the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) publishing a new planning National Policy Statement, EN–7, in relation to new nuclear fission projects. In addition, this week, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has published the consultation outcome on its Draft Strategy 2025, setting out its strategic priorities for nuclear decommissioning and confirming its intention to publish a final approved strategy for 2026–2031.

NDA publishes consultation outcome on Draft Strategy 2025 for nuclear decommissioning

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group has published the consultation outcome for its NDA group Draft Strategy 2025. The consultation ran from 7 July–29 September 2025 and engaged approximately 3000 stakeholders, with 360 respondents. The NDA group states that it intends to publish its final approved Strategy for 2026–2031 at the end of March 2026, including a consultation response report.