The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the regulatory framework for cross-boundary carbon capture and storage (CCS) pipelines under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which is jointly administered by the UK ETS Authority, comprising the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland (DAERA). The consultation closes on 4 June 2026

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed updates to the guidance for assessing noise from onshore wind turbines across the UK. The consultation aims to modernise the existing 1996 guidance, following recommendations from an independent scoping review conducted in 2023. The proposed updates are intended to align the guidance with current evidence, developments in turbine technology and noise assessment methodologies, and government policies on noise and net zero. In the interim, DESNZ advises local planning authorities to continue using the existing guidance for ongoing applications until the consultation response is published. The consultation closes on 29 August 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched its consultation to adjust the introduction date for the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) scheme to 1 April 2025. The government intends to give the industry more time to get ready for the CHMM scheme and seeks to encourage more people to install heat pumps. Hence, the government has proposed to reschedule the launch of the scheme from 1 April 2024 to 1 April 2025. This consultation will close on 9 May 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched two consultations, to expand the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The first consultation proposes including emissions from the maritime sector, requiring businesses operating domestic voyages to obtain allowances for each tonne of carbon emitted. The second consultation proposes recognising non-pipeline transport (NPT) for carbon capture and storage (CCUS) within the UK ETS, enabling participants to deduct CO2 sent to permanent storage via NPT from their reportable emissions. In addition, DESNZ has published the initial response to its consultation on the UK ETS free allocation review, confirming changes to the rules to be implemented in 2025. These changes ensure that participants ceasing operations cannot benefit from surplus allowances in their final year, with an exemption for sites who are ceasing activity to decarbonise. Both consultations close on 23 January 2025.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on changes to application fees for energy infrastructure developments. The government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan calls for faster energy infrastructure delivery and expanded cost-recovery mechanisms so consenting bodies are sustainably resourced. The Treasury's Managing Public Money encourages transparent, proportionate fees that reflect true service costs. DESNZ currently charges some planning fees, but they are deemed not to be cost-reflective. DESNZ proposes a comprehensive cost-recovery model for its planning services, with a fixed-fee structure to fund service delivery and support timely energy infrastructure decisions. These proposals apply only to planning applications processed by DESNZ, recognising that other consenting regimes operate elsewhere in government. DESNZ seeks views on the proposed fixed-fee model and possible alternatives, an annual fee review cycle and its impacts, potential indicative timescales for applications without statutory deadlines, and the implementation date and supporting guidance. DESNZ welcomes responses from developers, Distribution Network Operators, financiers, and other stakeholders up to and including 27 January 2026, and will publish a consultation response in Spring 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced the commencement of industry engagement on the development of a new Hydrogen Network Code (the Code) for hydrogen pipeline networks. Network codes are legal documents forming the basis of arrangements between network owners and users. As set out in the government’s response to the Hydrogen Economic Regulatory Frameworks Consultation, government will lead the development of the Code in partnership with industry and in close collaboration with Ofgem and other relevant stakeholders. DESNZ will host an introductory webinar in April 2026 to outline its proposed engagement approach and the process for developing the first issue of the Code. Industry engagement will take place at two levels: (1) a Code Engagement Forum, open to all Code-relevant stakeholders and intended to provide periodic updates on Code development; and (2) a smaller Code Advisory Group, comprising representatives of interests across hydrogen pipeline networks, with membership determined via an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to be launched during the webinar. The engagement is expected to be relevant to prospective hydrogen producers, transporters, storage providers and offtakers, including industrial users and hydrogen-to-power plants, as well as trade bodies, with further details on selection criteria and Terms of Reference to be provided at the first session.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence have launched a call for evidence to support the newly established Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce's review of UK nuclear regulation. The consultation, closing on 19 May 2025, seeks input on civil and defence nuclear frameworks, including: health and safety, environmental regulation and, planning and energy transmission regulations. The Taskforce will examine existing regulatory frameworks, legislation, regulatory bodies' scope and capacity, and support for innovation in the nuclear sector. Recommendations are expected by Autumn 2025. The consultation targets input from regulators, operators, academia, developers, investors and civil society stakeholders.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a technical feedback process on draft documents forming part of the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), including draft Code documents for new build and existing heat networks, the Heat Network Technical Standard (TS1) and the Metering and Monitoring Standard (MMS). Technical feedback is being sought from stakeholders with relevant expertise until 25 May 2026, running in parallel with the Heat Network Technical Standards policy consultation, which closes on 15 April 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched two parallel calls for evidence on carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) infrastructure development. The first call seeks views on the evolution of CO₂ networks to support the transition from government-led support to market-driven operations, covering both pipeline and non-pipeline solutions. The second call examines whether the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model remains appropriate for CO₂ storage regulation, with a focus on economic regulation, competition, and investment considerations. Both consultations are designed to inform policy development that supports continued growth in the CCUS sector and aligns with the UK's decarbonisation objectives. Both calls for evidence close on 31 October 2025.

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.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has opened Round 9 of the Green Heat Network Fund. Applications must be submitted by 11 April 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has opened the application window for the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB) scheme, which provides financial support to offshore wind developers. The scheme aims to incentivise investment in areas of economic need, particularly traditional oil and gas communities, and reward developers who build low-carbon factories, offshore wind blades, cables, and ports to reduce industrial emissions across the clean energy supply chain. The CIB offers initial funding of £27m per gigawatt of offshore wind projects, with the potential for up to £200m in total funding if developers commit to 7-8 GW of offshore wind capacity. The CIB is applicable to offshore wind projects bidding in Allocation Round 7 of the Contracts for Difference scheme. Funding will be allocated on a competitive basis, with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, expected to announce the results in Summer 2025.