August 1, 2024 - The UK government's ambitious 2030 power decarbonization target will have to be met without material contributions from carbon capture, new nuclear or clean hydrogen, S&P Global Commodity Insights' analyst Glenn Rickson said July 24.

Assuming a significant change in public attitudes towards major transmission projects also required a leap of faith.

"A 2030 clean power target date means that incremental new nuclear build cannot contribute, while there is even a question mark over Hinkley Point C being online in time. We also don't forecast hydrogen power playing a material role before 2035," said Rickson.

Under Commodity Insights' reference Planning Case, the UK is still generating over 80 TWh/yr of power from natural gas in 2030, while nuclear output drops to 5 TWh that year -- its lowest level in decades.

Infographic: UK's flagship net zero 2030 power goal