Key Government policy updates 2025/26
The UK Government has a target to become net zero by 2050, legally binding under the Climate Change Act 2008.
The Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan sets out the government’s latest roadmap to meet carbon budgets and the 2050 net zero target. Its objectives are a clean energy transition, improved quality of life, and job creation across several sectors, including Energy, Transport, Buildings, and Waste.
Supporting this is the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan which outlines steps to decarbonise the electricity system by 2030. This focuses on scaling up renewable and nuclear energy, strengthening grid infrastructure, and reforming current electricity markets.
To accelerate a clean energy transition, the Great British Energy Act established Great British Energy (GBE) as a publicly owned, operationally independent clean energy development company. GBE’s objectives are to increase domestic energy production, invest in renewable technologies, and increase local and community ownership of clean energy. It also aims to strengthen energy security and enhance UK jobs and supply chains.
To help provide strategic advice to the UK Government, the Net Zero Council has been relaunched as a public-private partnership body. This will support coordinated action across business, finance, and local government, helping unlock investment and remove barriers.
Finally, Biodiversity Net Gain mandates applicable developments to deliver a 10% or more uplift on biodiversity improvements. This will aid habitat creation and wildlife enhancement, supporting net zero delivery through nature-based solutions.