Insights

Active

Data centre development gains traction in NGED’s licence areas

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.

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Active

Limited biomethane must be targeted at hard-to-decarbonise sectors

Our latest paper considers recent biomethane supply projections and assesses the likely feasibility of this ‘green gas’ replacing fossil fuels for consumer use.

Learn more

Active

A decade of DFES: The evolution of regional electricity network planning

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.

Learn more

Active

Places

Clean power

Resourcing the energy transition: Why we need to invest in local authority planners

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.

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Active

Decision on zonal announced – now let's get on with progressive market reforms

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.

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NEW

December 5, 2025

Setting the standard: where the national and the local empower place-based retrofit

Through the Net Zero Living Programme, UK places seeking a sustainable future have been looking to retrofit their building stock to create better, warmer homes to both improve lives and local economies.

Alex Robertson

December 5, 2025

Retrofit & heat

Local authorities

NEW

November 28, 2025

Electricity Storage Network responses to Capacity Market consultations

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

November 28, 2025

Electricity storage

Consultation response

Energy markets

NEW

November 18, 2025

RESP takes next big leap with methodology consultation launched

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

November 18, 2025

Strategic network planning

NEW

November 17, 2025

Transitional RESP is an important milestone towards joined-up, regionalised energy planning

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

November 17, 2025

Strategic network planning

NEW

November 10, 2025

Celebration: Siddy Langley - 20 Years of Glass and Green Energy

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

November 10, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

November 3, 2025

Data centre development gains traction in NGED’s licence areas

Tamsyn Lonsdale-Smith

Ray Arrell

November 3, 2025

England

Wales

Strategic network planning

Publication

Research & advice

NEW

October 28, 2025

Electricity Storage Network response to the environmental permitting consultation

The Electricity Storage Network has responded to Defra’s consultation on including battery storage in environmental permitting, drawing on extensive member input.

Olly Frankland

October 28, 2025

Consultation response

Electricity storage

NEW

October 27, 2025

Regen's response to consultation on streamlining infrastructure planning

Regen submitted our views on the government’s consultation on reform to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) service.

Marie Allen

Rebecca Windemer

October 27, 2025

England

Wales

Planning

Consultation response

Onshore renewables

NEW

October 20, 2025

Cutting VAT on energy makes space for fairer levies

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

October 20, 2025

News & comment

Policy

Retrofit & heat

Energy markets

NEW

October 14, 2025

‘Pro-growth’ package is a boost for clean energy, but people must remain at the heart of planning applications

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.

Rebecca Windemer

October 14, 2025

Planning

Policy

Onshore renewables

News & comment

Local authorities

NEW

October 12, 2025

Reflection: Chloe Whipple - The Ripples of Attention

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.

Chloe Uden

October 12, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

October 9, 2025

Gap in low-carbon heating policy risks leaving space-constrained households out in the cold

Our analysis finds that, without a strategic approach, these homes will likely be stranded with high-cost, high-carbon heating.

Peter Griffin

October 9, 2025

Research & advice

Local authorities

Grid connections

Policy

Publication

NEW

October 2, 2025

Regen welcomes proposed benefits for communities affected by transmission network infrastructure

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.

Rebecca Windemer

October 2, 2025

Planning

Consultation response

Onshore renewables

Policy

NEW

October 1, 2025

Reflection: Collaborating with comedian Stuart Goldsmith

The world’s on fire – but at least now it’s mood-lit: what comedy can teach the energy transition.

Chloe Uden

October 1, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

September 29, 2025

Limited biomethane must be targeted at hard-to-decarbonise sectors

Our latest paper considers recent biomethane supply projections and assesses the likely feasibility of this ‘green gas’ replacing fossil fuels for consumer use.

Tamsyn Lonsdale-Smith

Frank Hodgson

Johnny Gowdy

September 29, 2025

Gas & hydrogen

Publication

Policy

Research & advice

Retrofit & heat

NEW

September 26, 2025

Consumer-led flexibility will require a step change in how we engage people to shape the future energy system

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

September 26, 2025

Consultation response

Smart & flexibility

Transport

Retrofit & heat

NEW

September 23, 2025

T-RESP consultation brings into focus the context for regional energy plans

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

September 23, 2025

News & comment

Grid connections

Strategic network planning

NEW

September 12, 2025

Electricity Storage Network response to Ofgem’s Frequency Risk and Control Report consultation

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.

Olly Frankland

September 12, 2025

Consultation response

Electricity storage

NEW

September 1, 2025

A letter from Regen's Art and Energy programme founder

Reflections from a Forces Kid: How Art and Energy Found Each Other

Chloe Uden

September 1, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

September 1, 2025

Reflection: Emma Whittaker – Creativity as a Conduit for Connection and Change

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.

Chloe Uden

September 1, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

August 30, 2025

Reflection: Joe Sellman-Leava – Storytelling, Resilience, and the Art of Energy

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.

Chloe Uden

August 30, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

August 5, 2025

A decade of DFES: The evolution of regional electricity network planning

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.

Ray Arrell

August 5, 2025

Grid connections

Electricity storage

Local authorities

Onshore renewables

Planning

NEW

August 1, 2025

Response to NESO’s consultation on the CSNP draft methodology

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.

Alex Temple

August 1, 2025

Consultation response

Strategic network planning

Planning

Grid connections

Gas & hydrogen

NEW

July 31, 2025

Somerset's planning woes should be a wake-up call for government

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.

Rebecca Windemer

July 31, 2025

Planning

News & comment

Local authorities

NEW

July 31, 2025

Developing future scenarios for Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

Our projections outline credible future scenarios for potential changes in electricity demand, generation and storage on the distribution network in Northern Ireland.

Frank Hodgson

Ray Arrell

Andrew Brand

Bruce Bardsley

Jonty Haynes

July 31, 2025

Northern Ireland

Research & advice

Grid connections

Onshore renewables

Electricity storage

NEW

July 25, 2025

Delivering biodiversity net gain through nationally significant clean energy projects

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

July 25, 2025

Consultation response

Onshore renewables

Policy

Planning

NEW

July 23, 2025

Our response to Ofgem’s consultation on the financial framework for the LDES cap and floor scheme

In our response, we highlight the urgent reforms needed to make the regime fair, transparent and investable across a range of technologies.

Olly Frankland

July 23, 2025

Electricity storage

Consultation response

NEW

July 22, 2025

Resourcing the energy transition: Why we need to invest in local authority planners

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.

Rebecca Windemer

July 22, 2025

Planning

Local authorities

Policy

NEW

July 21, 2025

Electricity Storage Network response to working paper on community benefits and shared ownership

The ESN response argues that any mandatory framework must reflect the practical and financial realities of technologies like battery and long duration energy storage.

Alex Temple

July 21, 2025

Electricity storage

Consultation response

Planning

NEW

July 19, 2025

Stronger policy is needed to deliver shared ownership at scale

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

July 19, 2025

Consultation response

Community energy

Onshore renewables

Policy

NEW

July 17, 2025

Mandating community benefits: Why flexibility, capacity building and local empowerment matter

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.

Rebecca Windemer

July 17, 2025

Community energy

Onshore renewables

Planning

Policy

Consultation response

NEW

July 10, 2025

Decision on zonal announced – now let's get on with progressive market reforms

Johnny Gowdy

July 10, 2025

Energy markets

NEW

July 8, 2025

Building trust, not just infrastructure: insights from REACH

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.

Jessica Hogan

Tamar Bourne

George Middlemiss

July 8, 2025

Community energy

Electricity storage

England

Scotland

Wales

NEW

July 4, 2025

Unlocking the solar potential of car parks

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.

Andrew Brand

July 4, 2025

Consultation response

Community energy

Grid connections

Policy

Planning

NEW

July 3, 2025

The case for equity in energy retail innovation

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.

Tamar Bourne

July 3, 2025

Energy markets

Scotland

Smart & flexibility

Research & advice

NEW

July 1, 2025

A guide to integrating nature objectives with clean power

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.

Holly Hoban

July 1, 2025

Onshore renewables

Local authorities

Planning

Publication

Electricity storage

NEW

June 27, 2025

ESN response to LDES cap and floor scheme calls for greater clarity

Informed by extensive member engagement, the response highlights key concerns regarding project eligibility, assessment transparency, and the need for clearer guidance and targets.

Olly Frankland

June 27, 2025

Electricity storage

NEW

June 26, 2025

T-RESP and 'in-development’ projects – the holy grail for strategic network investment

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.

Poppy Maltby

Fraser Stewart

Jonty Haynes

June 26, 2025

Local authorities

Planning

Multimedia

Policy

NEW

June 24, 2025

Supplying justice: how the retail market can support a fast and fair net zero transition

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.

Fraser Stewart

Tamar Bourne

June 24, 2025

Northern Ireland

England

Scotland

Wales

Research & advice

NEW

June 23, 2025

Retrofit for heritage buildings: Lessons learned from local authority innovations

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.

Holly Hoban

Poppy Maltby

June 23, 2025

Local authorities

Planning

Research & advice

Retrofit & heat

Publication

NEW

June 17, 2025

Reflection: Paul Hardman - Holding Space for Energy and Imagination

“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.”

Chloe Uden

June 17, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

June 17, 2025

Boiler Upgrade Scheme should maintain momentum for heat pumps

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.

Peter Griffin

June 17, 2025

Consultation response

Retrofit & heat

NEW

June 13, 2025

Investability and Scottish wind - an update

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

June 13, 2025

Scotland

Onshore renewables

Publication

NEW

June 12, 2025

Why diversity in the clean energy sector matters more than ever

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

June 12, 2025

News & comment

Skills & jobs

NEW

June 6, 2025

Case study: Mobilising the Welsh Culture Sector for Climate and Nature Action

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.

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June 6, 2025

Arts & culture

NEW

June 6, 2025

Regen’s response to the government’s revisions to the National Policy Statements

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.

Rebecca Windemer

Holly Hoban

June 6, 2025

Planning

Policy

Onshore renewables

NEW

June 1, 2025

Case study: We Are All People of Power with Polly Meyrick

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.

Chloe Uden

June 1, 2025

Arts & culture

Community energy

NEW

May 29, 2025

Lack of integration between energy and spatial planning risks hampering the transition

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.

Rebecca Windemer

Hazel Williams

May 29, 2025

Publication

Research & advice

Community energy

Electricity storage

Local authorities

Insights

Topic

Country

Content type

Data centre development gains traction in NGED’s licence areas

Limited biomethane must be targeted at hard-to-decarbonise sectors

A decade of DFES: The evolution of regional electricity network planning

Resourcing the energy transition: Why we need to invest in local authority planners

Decision on zonal announced – now let's get on with progressive market reforms

Setting the standard: where the national and the local empower place-based retrofit

Electricity Storage Network responses to Capacity Market consultations

RESP takes next big leap with methodology consultation launched

Transitional RESP is an important milestone towards joined-up, regionalised energy planning

Celebration: Siddy Langley - 20 Years of Glass and Green Energy

Data centre development gains traction in NGED’s licence areas

Electricity Storage Network response to the environmental permitting consultation

Regen's response to consultation on streamlining infrastructure planning

Cutting VAT on energy makes space for fairer levies

‘Pro-growth’ package is a boost for clean energy, but people must remain at the heart of planning applications

Reflection: Chloe Whipple - The Ripples of Attention

Gap in low-carbon heating policy risks leaving space-constrained households out in the cold

Regen welcomes proposed benefits for communities affected by transmission network infrastructure

Reflection: Collaborating with comedian Stuart Goldsmith

Limited biomethane must be targeted at hard-to-decarbonise sectors

Consumer-led flexibility will require a step change in how we engage people to shape the future energy system

T-RESP consultation brings into focus the context for regional energy plans

Electricity Storage Network response to Ofgem’s Frequency Risk and Control Report consultation

A letter from Regen's Art and Energy programme founder

Reflection: Emma Whittaker – Creativity as a Conduit for Connection and Change

Reflection: Joe Sellman-Leava – Storytelling, Resilience, and the Art of Energy

A decade of DFES: The evolution of regional electricity network planning

Response to NESO’s consultation on the CSNP draft methodology

Somerset's planning woes should be a wake-up call for government

Developing future scenarios for Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

Delivering biodiversity net gain through nationally significant clean energy projects

Our response to Ofgem’s consultation on the financial framework for the LDES cap and floor scheme

Resourcing the energy transition: Why we need to invest in local authority planners

Electricity Storage Network response to working paper on community benefits and shared ownership

Stronger policy is needed to deliver shared ownership at scale

Mandating community benefits: Why flexibility, capacity building and local empowerment matter

Decision on zonal announced – now let's get on with progressive market reforms

Building trust, not just infrastructure: insights from REACH

Unlocking the solar potential of car parks

The case for equity in energy retail innovation

A guide to integrating nature objectives with clean power

ESN response to LDES cap and floor scheme calls for greater clarity

T-RESP and 'in-development’ projects – the holy grail for strategic network investment

Supplying justice: how the retail market can support a fast and fair net zero transition

Retrofit for heritage buildings: Lessons learned from local authority innovations

Reflection: Paul Hardman - Holding Space for Energy and Imagination

Boiler Upgrade Scheme should maintain momentum for heat pumps

Investability and Scottish wind - an update

Why diversity in the clean energy sector matters more than ever

Case study: Mobilising the Welsh Culture Sector for Climate and Nature Action

Regen’s response to the government’s revisions to the National Policy Statements

Case study: We Are All People of Power with Polly Meyrick

Lack of integration between energy and spatial planning risks hampering the transition

The Dispatch