SEUK’s Gemma Grimes on building the UK’s solar future

Can the UK hit 60GW of solar by 2030? In our first-ever episode, guest host Ken Davies, a chemical engineer with extensive industrial experience, speaks with Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy and Delivery at Solar Energy UK. Together, they explore the UK’s bold clean energy targets, policy shifts, and the real-world challenges of scaling solar to 60GW by 2030 - and potentially 90GW by 2035. Gemma unpacks the economic value of solar, key infrastructure hurdles, and why skills development is critical to reaching net zero. She also tackles land-use misconceptions, rooftop solar potential, and how future standards could drive (or hinder) adoption. Key Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction by Ken Davies 02:30 – Solar deployment milestones & 2030 targets 04:45 – Political support & policy direction 07:00 – Economic benefits & job creation 11:40 – Grid infrastructure & planning challenges 16:00 – Skills gap and talent development 22:00 – Land-use myths & public perceptions 24:30 – Future Homes Standards & Policy Outlook 25:30 – Optimism for solar's future in the UK   Credits: Guest host: Ken Davies Guest: Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy and Delivery at Solar Energy UK Producer: Catie Owen, Editor of Solar&StorageXtra  Marketing: Katie Devaney, Marketing Director for Solar & Storage Live Europe This podcast is a Terrapinn production. Discover the latest solar and storage news at solarstoragextra.com  For podcast, editorial, thought leadership and commercial opportunities, get in touch with the Solar&StorageXtra team: [email protected]