Can the UK hit 60GW of solar by 2030?

In our first-ever episode, guest host Ken Davies, a chemical engineer with extensive industrial experience, speaks with Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy and Delivery at Solar Energy UK.

Together, they explore the UK’s bold clean energy targets, policy shifts, and the real-world challenges of scaling solar to 60GW by 2030 - and potentially 90GW by 2035.

Gemma unpacks the economic value of solar, key infrastructure hurdles, and why skills development is critical to reaching net zero. She also tackles land-use misconceptions, rooftop solar potential, and how future standards could drive (or hinder) adoption.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction by Ken Davies

02:30 – Solar deployment milestones & 2030 targets

04:45 – Political support & policy direction

07:00 – Economic benefits & job creation

11:40 – Grid infrastructure & planning challenges

16:00 – Skills gap and talent development

22:00 – Land-use myths & public perceptions

24:30 – Future Homes Standards & Policy Outlook

25:30 – Optimism for solar's future in the UK

Credits:

Guest host: Ken Davies

Guest: Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy and Delivery at Solar Energy UK

Producer: Catie Owen, Editor of Solar&StorageXtra

Marketing: Katie Devaney, Marketing Director for Solar & Storage Live Europe

This podcast is a Terrapinn production. Discover the latest solar and storage news at solarstoragextra.com

For podcast, editorial, thought leadership and commercial opportunities, get in touch with the Solar&StorageXtra team: catie.owen@terrapinn.com