UKERC’s Review of Energy Policy 2025 – Fuelling the Energy Transition through Consistent Engagement

Last month we attended the UK Energy Research Committee’s launch event for its Review of Energy Policy 2025. The event was chaired by Professor Rob Gross, UKERC Director the session brought together perspectives spanning the energy systems, public policy and the UK’s pathway to Net Zero.  

A common theme running through the talks was the importance of gaining public backing for the renewable transition, and the understanding that this support will be shaped by everyday experience and local impact. For teams working in consenting and delivery, this is a practical challenge as much as communications one. Whether a project is progressing through the DCO process or a Local Planning Authority, outcomes are stronger when developers clearly communicate the benefits, respond early to concerns and build trust over time. Without sustained engagement, misinformation can fill the gap, including claims that the transition only serves developer profit margins, rather than households, businesses, communities – and ultimately – the planet.

Speakers approached this from different angles, but returned to the same underlying theme:

• Flexibility needs a value case: Dr Jess Britton highlighted the role of flexibility in creating an efficient energy system, but stressed that the public must be convinced about the benefits flexibility will bring them in practice through lower costs, improved reliability and better use of renewable availability.  

• The cost of sticking to gas: Dr Louis Fletcher argued that the implications of the UK’s declining gas network mean that there will inevitably be cost increases for consumers unless there is a clear shift to renewables as the default energy source.  

• Explain the ‘why’ for public investment: Dr Gavin Bridge mentioned that, where public money is used to compete on the world stage for critical materials needed for renewable energy projects, consistent engagement with UK taxpayers is required which explains that renewables can help to alleviate the socioeconomic issues that impact them.  

• Address Net Zero fatigue: Dr Emily Nurse from the Climate Change Committee reinforced the importance of proactively addressing Net-Zero fatigue and pushback by focusing on tangible, local benefits and keeping engagement consistent, not reactive.  

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At Luminate, we help clients to communicate clearly and engage credibly to build local confidence through the project lifecycle – de-risking the path to consent. If you’d like to discuss how we can support your next project, please get in touch.