UK renewables deployment supply chain readiness – 2026 update

The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan sets out an ambitious and important objective to meet all electricity demand in Great Britain by 2030, with at least 95% of generation coming from low carbon sources. Strong and resilient supply chains will be central to delivering this transition and will depend on continued close coordination between industry and government. There has been a reduction in supply chain risks since 2024, with further action needed to sustain momentum and deliver at scale.

 

That’s the conclusion of a study Baringa conducted for the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, in which we analysed offshore wind, onshore wind, solar PV, and transmission and distribution network supply chains. Read the original report here and the 2026 update here.

 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero commissioned Baringa to conduct an in-depth investigation and analysis of the supply chains for key renewable and network technologies, both nationally and internationally. They also asked us to recommend potential industry or policy-based interventions to address those constraints through 2035.

The greatest pressures remain on turbines, floating foundations, HVDC cables, converter stations, installation vessels and ports. Turbine market uncertainty continues, with financial strain on OEMs and reduced competition contributing to developer concerns. Port capacity remains insufficient, particularly for floating offshore wind assembly.

Supply chain constraints are generally less acute than for offshore wind, though securing planning consent and grid connections remains a greater barrier than component availability. Transformers and switchgear remain a significant bottleneck across both sectors due to competing grid and industrial demand.

Solar PV module supply remains broadly sufficient, but traceability and forced‑labour risks in polysilicon supply chains continue to require close attention.

• Improved monopile supply and a slight easing in HVDC cable lead times, driven by expanded manufacturing capacity
• Reduced short‑term offshore wind demand - linked to project delays and cancellations in the UK, EU and US - has temporarily eased pressure on some components

New policy direction and investment signals

• Since 2024, the UK Government has introduced or expanded several measures reshaping the supply chain outlook, including:
  • Higher Administrative Strike Prices for CfD Allocation Round 7, reflecting increased input costs
  • Over £1bn of supply chain investment commitments across Great British Energy, The Crown Estate and industry partners, alongside a further £700m from Great British Energy

Growing maturity in solar supply chain governance

• The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has expanded coverage of its ESG and supply chain traceability standards and completed its first assessments.
• However, upstream polysilicon traceability remains challenging, and developers continue to supplement SSI frameworks with their own due diligence.

Explore the research

Read the 2026 update – A focused refresh on what has changed since 2024 and what it means for Clean Power 2030

Read the 2024 full study – The original, in‑depth assessment of UK renewables and network supply chain readiness, including detailed analysis and intervention options.

What can you do now?

For developers, investors and supply chain participants, the findings raise practical questions:

• Where do supply chain risks still threaten delivery timelines and project economics?
• Which constraints are structural, and which may ease as demand patterns shift?
• How should organisations adapt procurement strategies, investment decisions and delivery plans in response?

Baringa works with clients across the renewables value chain to translate system‑level insights into practical action - from supply chain strategy and investment prioritisation through to delivery assurance and policy engagement.

Get in touch to discuss what the latest findings mean for your organisation and how we can support you in navigating the next phase of UK renewables deployment.