As part of the 2025 DFES update, we conducted an analysis of the growth and impact of data centres in National Grid Electricity Distribution’s licence areas. This paper summarises the potential future uptake of data centres, the geographical factors driving AI growth in particular areas, and commentary on the wider network and societal impacts of data centre development in the UK.
Our latest paper considers recent biomethane supply projections and assesses the likely feasibility of this ‘green gas’ replacing fossil fuels for consumer use.
Ray Arrell reflects on the process pioneered by Regen back in 2015 – and how it has developed into a detailed, bottom-up approach to regional network planning.
With planning a critical enabler of net zero, our latest briefing explores the scale of the challenge and some of the practical solutions already being explored by local planning authorities.
With zonal pricing now ruled out, Johnny Gowdy considers the challenges and opportunities still facing the government to deliver investment and meaningful benefits for consumers before the next election.
The Electricity Storage Network has responded to two government consultations on the Capacity Market, looking at changes to 2026 prequalification and proposals on locational rules for Capacity Market units.
Alex Temple
We have closely followed the development of the RESP since it was first announced by Ofgem in 2023, so it's exciting to see the details of NESO's approach bringing the vision a big leap closer to reality.
Poppy Maltby
Our response to NESO's consultation welcomes the ambition behind the transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan and makes a series of recommendations to ensure the final framework is pragmatic, evidence-based and delivery-focused.
Andrew Barry
For twenty years, glass artist Siddy Langley has been crafting the iconic Green Energy Awards trophies for Regen — elegant, hand-blown glass sculptures that shimmer with shades of green and light. Each one is unique, yet unmistakably part of a family — symbols of hope and ingenuity awarded to the people and organisations shaping the UK’s clean energy future.
Chloe Uden
Tamsyn Lonsdale-Smith
Ray Arrell
The Electricity Storage Network has responded to Defra’s consultation on including battery storage in environmental permitting, drawing on extensive member input.
Olly Frankland
Regen submitted our views on the government’s consultation on reform to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) service.
Marie Allen
Rebecca Windemer
Peter Griffin argues that reducing VAT on gas and electricity is probably the easiest and quickest way for the chancellor to reduce household costs and show that the government is listening to the concerns of billpayers, but that there is an opportunity to go even further.
Peter Griffin
Regen welcomes government measures aimed at ‘unshackling Britain to get building’ will amend the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to cut delays, strengthen ministerial powers and accelerate infrastructure delivery.
When Chloe Whipple helped produce the Relight My Fire festival at Exeter’s Bike Shed Theatre, she didn’t know she was stepping into something that would shape her next decade of creative work.
Our analysis finds that, without a strategic approach, these homes will likely be stranded with high-cost, high-carbon heating.
We support bill discounts, wider community funds and guidance on good engagement, but call for further consideration of who will be eligible and how the scheme is communicated.
The world’s on fire – but at least now it’s mood-lit: what comedy can teach the energy transition.
Frank Hodgson
Johnny Gowdy
Responding to the government's consultation on consumer-led flexibility, we argue that a shift in perception is required, from consumers as passive recipients to active participants in the energy system.
Tim Crook
NESO's consultation on the 'transitional RESP' provides a first look at what bespoke plans could look like for the energy system in Scotland, Wales and nine English regions. Merlin Hyman reflects on some of the takeaways from this important development.
Merlin Hyman OBE
We support the NESO proposals that highlight the critical role fast-acting battery storage is playing in enhancing energy resilience and contributing to consumer savings of over £258 million.
Reflections from a Forces Kid: How Art and Energy Found Each Other
When Emma Whittaker first connected with Regen through the Low Carbon Devon programme at the University of Plymouth, she was already deeply embedded in the intersection between creativity, sustainability, and research. Here are some of her reflections on Regen's Arts Lab.
When Joe Sellman-Leava first joined Regen, he was a young theatre-maker straight out of university, juggling part-time work with the early stages of an emerging creative career. What began as a practical day job soon became an unexpected source of creative fuel.
Regen has responded to NESO’s consultation on the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) draft methodology, welcoming its ambition but calling for sharper alignment with the realities of local energy planning.
The council’s planning backlog has sparked national coverage, but it’s part of a bigger problem Regen has been warning about: local planning teams are being put under extreme pressure just when the transition needs them most.
Our projections outline credible future scenarios for potential changes in electricity demand, generation and storage on the distribution network in Northern Ireland.
Andrew Brand
Bruce Bardsley
Jonty Haynes
The requirement to deliver a 10% net gain in biodiversity has applied to Town and Country Planning projects since early 2024. Now the government is consulting on extending this to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Regen has responded to the consultation with a focus on what this means for renewables.
Holly Hoban
In our response, we highlight the urgent reforms needed to make the regime fair, transparent and investable across a range of technologies.
The ESN response argues that any mandatory framework must reflect the practical and financial realities of technologies like battery and long duration energy storage.
Regen's response to the DESNZ working paper argues that the current voluntary approach has not delivered the scale or depth of participation required to meet the ambitious target of 8 GW of local and community-owned energy by 2030.
Jessica Hogan
In Regen's response to the working paper on community benefits and shared ownership, we make a clear case: community benefit should be mandated, but only in a way that enables flexibility, supports capacity building and empowers local people.
Regen explored smart, local solutions to electricity grid constraints in rural areas as part of Rural Energy and Community Heat, a Strategic Innovation Fund project led by National Grid Electricity Distribution.
Tamar Bourne
George Middlemiss
With an estimated 40-50,000 private car parks across Great Britain, and an additional 20,000 run by councils, these sites have the potential to contribute significantly towards CP30 solar targets.
Tamar Bourne digs into one of the four foundations for a fair future retail market that we set out in our recent report with Consumer Scotland: ensuring that innovation is inclusive by design.
This paper provides a high-level overview of how policies for delivering clean power and nature recovery relate to one another, as well as the environmental challenges and opportunities associated with specific clean energy technologies.
Informed by extensive member engagement, the response highlights key concerns regarding project eligibility, assessment transparency, and the need for clearer guidance and targets.
With RESP teams seeking information from local authorities on the additional strategic investments that might be needed in the local electricity networks, we explain the tight deadline, outline what exactly NESO is looking for and suggest how to go about responding.
Fraser Stewart
Our work with Consumer Scotland explores how the retail energy market could evolve to ensure that the transition to a cleaner, smarter energy system seizes the opportunities to tackle social injustices head-on.
This insight paper from our work with Innovate UK's Net Zero Living cohort of local authorities summarises the opportunities and challenges for retrofitting older properties and sets out practical solutions to accelerate progress.
“I used to think it was tea and biscuits. Now I think it’s about helping people into a parasympathetic state — where they feel safe enough to share ideas. You create the right space, then sparks fly.”
Regen’s heat and buildings lead, Peter Griffin, summarises the key points from our response to the government's consultation on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to increase access and stimulate further demand.
Following engagement with developers and investors, we've updated our previous paper and set out three recommendations to ensure that onshore wind can support delivery of Clean Power 2030.
Simon Gill
Rachel Hayes, founder of Regen's women in renewable energy network, ReWiRE, looks at ways the sector can attract and retain the diverse talent it needs to innovate, grow and lead the transition to net zero.
Rachel Hayes
In 2023–2024, Regen partnered with the Welsh Government and the Welsh Government Energy Service to explore the role of the culture sector in tackling the climate and nature emergencies. The project aimed to understand how the sector could lead by example, adapt its practices, and inspire wider public engagement. The resulting reports are now shaping future policy and investment in the sector.
Regen supports measures to ensure the planning system for renewable energy and storage projects is as quick, effective and clear as possible, while keeping local communities at the heart of the energy transition.
We Are All People of Power is a striking portrait and film series created by artist Polly Meyrick during her residency with Regen’s Art Lab programme.
Our latest research with the Royal Town Planning Institute reveals significant challenges and missed opportunities for local authorities trying to deliver clean energy and heat and recommends a series of actions for central government that would enable better integration and unlock more efficient decision making at the local level.
Hazel Williams
After being awarded Net Zero Developer at Regen’s Green Energy Awards, Thrive Renewables reflects on 30 years of bringing together people, proven technology and a pioneering approach to accelerate the rollout of renewables.
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