The Road to Clean Power 2030: Key Takeaways from Ofgem at the ESG Smarter Energy Insights Forum

The UK’s ambition to deliver a clean power system by 2030 depends on energy flexibility. Today, just 7.3 GW of consumer flexibility is available, however by 2030, that figure needs to grow to 16 GW. At our annual ESG Smarter Energy Insights Forum, Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director of Governance for Data and Digitalisation at Ofgem, set out a roadmap for how the UK energy industry must respond.

Her message was clear: energy flexibility must become simple, seamless, and accessible to everyone.

Breaking Down the Barriers

Marzia highlighted three key areas where progress to achieve this is essential.

• Harmonising markets: Today’s flexibility services are fragmented, with inconsistent rules and entry requirements. By 2027, Elexon will deliver a unified framework to make participation easier and more transparent.
• Unlocking data access: A new digital consent model, similar to open banking, will allow consumers to securely “click to share” their smart meter data with trusted providers. Combined with NESO’s Data Sharing Infrastructure, this will open the door to wider innovation.
• Building trust: From 2027, aggregators will need licences under new Ofgem conditions covering consumer protection and cybersecurity. At the same time, suppliers will face greater pressure to deliver compelling, trusted flexibility propositions for customers.

Engaging Millions of Consumers

The challenge goes beyond regulation. Millions of households, particularly EV and heat pump users, must become active participants in the grid. That requires propositions where devices flex automatically in the background, while customers simply experience the benefits through lower bills and a cleaner energy system.

Putting the Customer First

Marzia’s message to the industry was simple: put the customer first. If flexibility isn’t easy, trusted, and rewarding, then the clean power system of 2030 will remain out of reach. The opportunity now lies in how regulators, suppliers, and innovators come together to make this transformation real.

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