UK Energy Industry News Update: Nuclear Reform, Grid Costs & Offshore Wind – March 2026

March 2026 UK energy industry news covering nuclear regulation reform, offshore wind investment, TNUoS tariff increases, planning changes and renewable milestones.

22nd April 2026 | 3 minute read


Related Topics:


Share This Article:

Facebook | LinkedIn | 𝕏

UK Government Overhauls Nuclear Planning & Regulation

The UK Government is outlining plans to speed up nuclear delivery after the Taskforce calls for radical reset of nuclear regulation in UK - GOV.UK found an “overly complex” and “bureaucratic” system that favoured process over safe outcomes has held back the industry.

Nuclear projects will be built faster and cheaper, boosting national energy security protecting against volatile global fossil fuel markets as part of a long-overdue overhaul of nuclear regulation.

This comes at a time when the current conflict in the Middle East is another reminder that the energy security and sovereignty for the UK is to end dependence on fossil fuel markets and speed the transition to clean homegrown power.

DESNZ and Ofgem Issue Expectations for Energy Brokers

In light of the Middle East conflict the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - GOV.UK and Ofgem have written to TPIs setting out expectations on how to support customers.

Whilst the letter recognises the value that energy brokers and other TPIs can provide, thanking TPIs who operate in line with expectations through improved standards via voluntary codes of practice, however during 2022 energy crisis it is noted DESNZ examples of poor practice. Open letter to Third Party Intermediaries (TPIs): supporting consumers

Ofgem Shortlists Record Number of Offshore Transmission Bidders

Ofgem has announced it has shortlisted its biggest field of bidders since 2019, who can all now compete to own and operate the offshore electricity transmission links for three major North Sea wind farms off Great Britain’s east coast.

Five bidders are vying to own and operate the transmission links which connect offshore wind farms East Anglia Three, Inch Cape and Dogger Bank C into Great Britains power grid. The field of bidders underlines the growing interest in the OFTO (Offshore electricity transmission) regime.

NESO Confirms Record TNUoS Increases for 2026/27

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has confirmed 2026/27 TNUoS tariffs, showing the largest year-on-year increase ever recorded. The uplift reflects the grid investment to support the UK’s transition to a low carbon system.

As a result of the increases electricity bills are set to rise by 5-10% for many businesses due to the TNUoS increase. TNUoS Charges 2026-27: Final Rates & What They Mean

Consultation Launched on Small‑Scale Wind Turbine Planning

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) have launched a consultation on PDR (permitted development rights) for small wind turbines in England. This would allow small-scale, no-domestic wind turbines to be installed without planning permission.

The government proposal would allow businesses and public sector organisations to install one turbine up to 30 meters, making it faster and cheaper to generate clean power on site.

£64m Investment Positions Port Talbot as Offshore Wind Hub

Port Talbot is at the forefront of a new clean energy industry, backing thousands of jobs and growth across South Wales following a £64 million grant from the UK government. The new port will unlock 4.5 GW of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, enough to power 6.5 million homes.

Ireland Reaches 8 GW Renewable Electricity Milestone

Ireland has reached 8 GW of installed onshore renewable electricity generation capacity, marking a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. According to data from ESB Networks and EirGrid, which manage Ireland’s electricity distribution and transmission systems, nearly half of the country’s electricity was generated from renewable sources in February, a month in which wind power reached a record high.