31/07/2026
Welcome to our July Energy Matters newsletter
The energy sector is a rapidly changing market with daily updates on technological advances, regulatory reviews, policy updates, funding decisions. In each edition of our Energy Matters newsletter, we aim to provide a user-friendly, summary update of some of the key issues we are seeing across the renewable energy and resource management sectors.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised, please contact a member of our energy team.
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Energy spotlight
Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 8 (AR8) – Key Changes
On 6 July the Government released the highly anticipated terms and conditions to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) Contract giving interested parties certainty on the changes referred to during the consultation periods earlier this year.
Whilst Allocation Round 8 (AR8) has largely followed the approach set out in AR7, there have been significant amendments and greater allowances for wind technologies.
In our article Tim Kittow and Joseph Halawin set out the now confirmed key changes in AR8 and the possible direction of travel for future rounds.
Planning law and heat networks – navigating the interface
In a series of three articles, we consider the extent to which the planning framework, Building Regulations, proposed new Installation and Maintenance Licensing Regulations, and the proposed Heat Network Zoning Regulations provide the tools necessary to achieve the government’s goals for delivering heat networks at pace and scale.
In this first article, by Lucy Thomas, Louise Mansfield, Carrie Davies, and Joseph Halawin. we consider what aspects of the planning regime will apply to heat networks being delivered in heat network zones
Learn more – visit our suite of free resources on our Points of Connection hub - our knowledge and expertise in district energy to support anyone operating in, or coming into, the sector.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: One year on
Earlier this month, the Government published its first-year update on the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy. The Modern Industrial Strategy established a 10-year roadmap to drive both micro and macro economic growth, and this update provides a useful indication of how policy makers intend to support investment in the UK's energy transition over the coming decade.
For renewable energy developers, infrastructure investors, utilities and supply chain participants, the report offers more than a progress update. It signals continued Government commitment to tackling structural barriers including grid access, planning delays and supply chain capacity.
Tim Kittow and Abdul Raheem summarise the updated report in this article.
Quick links |
Energy sector reform
Consultation on strategic policy guidance for electricity networks growth
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 8 July 2026
This consultation seeks feedback on proposed social and environmental guidance for the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA) – the governing body for Ofgem – on delivering growth through electricity networks.
Independent review on greenhouse gas removals: government response
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 17 July 2026
A policy statement outlining the government’s response to the independent review on greenhouse gas removals.
Contracts for Difference for Low Carbon Electricity Generation: Revision to the Government response
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 6 July 2026
Government have published their response to the proposed refinements on Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 8 and future rounds, confirming two policy changes for the upcoming round. Read our article here.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant increased
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 26 June 2026
From 21 July the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is being increased by 20%, from £7,500 to £9,000, to help rural households make the move from heating oil to a heat pump.
Government has secured £100 billion of clean energy investment
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 24 June 2026
More than £100 billion in clean energy investment announcements has been secured since the government came to office, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will confirm at London Climate Action Week, as he declares Britain is part of a global boom in clean energy that is creating jobs across the UK and boosting energy security.
Government announces consultation on reforming consumer protection for home upgrade schemes
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 17 June 2026
This consultation invites views on how consumer protection for home upgrades should be reformed to support delivery of the Warm Homes Plan.
Energy efficiency
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 18 June 2026
The government has announced it will push the deadline to meet EPC B ratings back one year to 2031 amongst other announcements.
Solar and battery
Britain’s biggest community solar farm forced to shut
Guardian 12 July 2026
The north Devon solar farm was ordered to shut weeks before record high temperatures across Europe led to power supply warnings.
Government approves UK’s second largest solar farm
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 8 July 2026
One Earth Solar Farm is set to be the second largest solar farm in the UK – according to the developer it could power over 200,000 homes a year, the equivalent of half the homes in Lincolnshire.
