The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a call for evidence on its vision for an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled clean energy system. The call for evidence seeks views on how AI can support a cleaner, more affordable, efficient and secure energy system, including through improved forecasting, planning, system optimisation and consumer flexibility. In a speech launching the vision, Minister for Local Energy and Jobs Martin McCluskey noted that AI has the potential to support the clean energy transition, while recognising the need to address deployment risks, public confidence and barriers to adoption. Responses to the call for evidence close 6 November 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has opened a call for evidence on the barriers to community energy projects in England. Community energy projects involve groups coming together to purchase, manage, generate or reduce energy consumption, including solar panels, wind farms, hydro power, electric vehicle charging points, car clubs, and fuel poverty alleviation schemes. Programmes are usually not-for-profit, and profits raised from projects are reinvested back into the communities which they power. The call for evidence closes on 30 June 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has commissioned an independent review to explore how greenhouse gas removal technologies can support the UK’s 2050 net zero targets. The review, chaired by Dr Alan Whitehead CBE, will examine various options, including large-scale power bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS).

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has committed to support the construction of new power stations to maintain a safe and reliable energy source, when the weather does not power up renewables, as part of the second consultation on the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA). DESNZ has set out a plan to boost gas power capacity by broadening existing laws requiring new gas plants to be built net-zero ready and able to convert to low carbon alternatives in the future, such as carbon capture and hydrogen to power. Additionally, these gas power plants will run less frequently as the UK continues to roll out other low carbon technologies. This is in line with wider government plans to deliver net zero whilst aiming to keep costs down for billpayers.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has conducted a study on key renewable and network technologies to help identify possible supply chain constrains that can prevent the UK from achieving its goals in renewable energy and recommend possible industry- or policy-based initiatives that could alleviate those limitations through 2035. The study showed that the components facing highest capacity constraints are fixed and floating foundations, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables, converter stations, installation vessels and ports.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ ) has confirmed that three updated energy National Policy Statements, EN-1, EN-3 and EN-5, have come into force following their formal designation under section 6(9) of the Planning Act 2008 and laying before Parliament. The Statements apply to England and Wales and now have statutory effect for decision-making on nationally significant energy infrastructure projects.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a letter to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) setting out the Capacity Market auction parameters for the one-year-ahead (T-1) auction for the 2027–28 delivery year and the four-year-ahead (T-4) auction for the 2030–31 delivery year, both scheduled for March 2027. The target capacity for the T-1 auction has been set at 5 GW, while the T-4 target has been set at 40.9 GW. The letter also sets out the interconnector de-rating factors applicable to the T-4 auction. DESNZ notes that the parameters may be updated during the adjustment of the demand curve, taking into account the results of auction prequalification and related appeals processes.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to waste incineration will not proceed in 2028 as originally intended. A new timeline will be set out in due course.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the response to its November 2024 consultation on proposed additions to the Contract for Difference (CfD) contract arising from the introduction of the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB). The government's response confirms the inclusion of several key provisions in the CfD contract, such as requiring generators to comply with the requirements outlined in their CIB Statements and provide updates to the Low Carbon Contracts Company on the status of their CIB Statement, CIB Implementation Statement application, and their CIB Implementation Statement or CIB Refusal. Further additions include provisions on Performance Related Adjustments linked to the CIB Minimum Standard in case of non-delivery, the conclusiveness of Secretary of State determinations, as well as provisions allowing for adjustments to CIB payments in the event of a new determination by the Secretary of State, among other additions. Additionally, the response addresses concerns regarding the treatment of phased CfD units, clarifying contract changes designed to accommodate such scenarios.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a letter to the National Energy System Operator, confirming adjustments to the Capacity Market (CM) auction parameters. These adjustments apply to the one-year ahead (T-1) auction for the delivery year 2025 to 2026 and the four-year ahead (T-4) auction for the delivery year 2028 to 2029. For the T-1 auction, the target has been increased to 7.5 GW, while the T-4 target has been set at 43.7 GW, with an additional 1.0 GW set aside for a future auction.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a letter to the National Energy System Operator, confirming adjustments to the Capacity Market (CM) auction parameters. These adjustments apply to the one-year ahead (T-1) auction for the delivery year 2026-27 and the four-year ahead (T-4) auction for the delivery year 2020-30. For the T-1 auction, the target has been set at 6.3 GW, while the T-4 target has been set at 39.4 GW, with an additional 1.0 GW set aside for a future auction.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that 10 projects from the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) have signed contracts and can now begin construction. The projects are: (1) Cromarty Hydrogen Project; (2) Bradford Low Carbon Project; (3) West Wales Hydrogen Project; (4) High Marnham Project; (5) Whitelee Green Hydrogen Project; (6) Green Hydrogen 3 Project; (7) Trafford Project; (8) Barrow Project; (9) Langage Project; and (10) Tees Green Project. These projects aim to help British industry transition from fossil fuels to domestically-produced low-carbon hydrogen, reducing emissions in heavy industries such as steel, glass and heavy transport. The projects will receive over £2bn in revenue support over 15 years through the Hydrogen Production Business Model, along with £90m in capital expenditure support via the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. Kimberly-Clark has also committed £125m with energy partners HYRO, Carlton Power, and Schroders Greencoat for HAR1 projects at two plants in Barrow-in-Furness and Northfleet.