A range of publications including Edie.net, Energy Voice and Environment Journal quote Kevin Gibbs on the Energy Independence Bill set out in the King's Speech
min readThe 2026 King’s Speech has set out plans for a new Energy Independence Bill focused on clean energy expansion and energy security. Industry has largely welcomed the direction, with some concerns remaining over nature protections and workforce capacity.
The aim of the Bill is to provide a renewed focus on scaling up domestic clean energy, and a stronger emphasis on energy security and economic resilience. Energy leaders say the Bill sends a positive signal to investors and could help unlock long-term infrastructure development, with the sector long calling for clearer policy backing for clean power expansion.
However, there is a degree of disappointment among some stakeholders over the limited attention given to nature and biodiversity within the wider agenda, with environmental groups warning that rapid infrastructure delivery must be balanced against ecological commitments.
Alongside this, industry voices have raised concerns about the scale of the ambition, cautioning that persistent skills shortages in engineering and technical roles could pose a significant barrier to delivering the programme at pace.
Commenting in a range of media publications, including Edie.net, Energy Voice and Environment Journal, Kevin Gibbs, Senior Consultant in our Planning, Infrastructure & Environment team, explains:
The inclusion of an Energy Independence Bill accompanied by a Nuclear Regulation Bill and an Electricity Generator Levy Bill suggests that the Government is preparing to bolster measures to accelerate planning and regulatory approval for clean energy projects, cut energy bills and strengthen our energy independence and resilience.
"The question is whether the proposed reforms do remove barriers to delivery without creating further uncertainty elsewhere in the system.
Read more in Edie.net, Energy Voice and Environmental Journal.
Related coverage:
Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBi), New Power, Envirotec Magazine
