Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 16 OCTOBER 2026

Energy Matters - September 2026

Bevan Brittan LLP
Explore more from Bevan Brittan LLP

The energy sector faces rapid transformation driven by technological innovation, regulatory reform and evolving policy priorities. This newsletter examines critical developments in energy infrastructure procurement, data centre connections, heat network policy reforms, and strategic decarbonisation partnerships across the UK's renewable energy and resource management landscape.

United KingdomEnergy and Natural Resources
Bethan Lloyd
Bethan Lloyd
Carrie Davies
Carrie Davies
Rupert Lugg
Rupert Lugg

Welcome to our September Energy Matters newsletter

The energy sector is a rapidly changing market with daily updates on technological advances, regulatory reviews, policy updates, funding decisions. In each edition of our Energy Matters newsletter, we aim to provide a user-friendly, summary update of some of the key issues we are seeing across the renewable energy and resource management sectors.

Energy spotlight

Procuring energy infrastructure with strategic intent and a focus on national security

National security is becoming an increasingly important consideration in energy infrastructure procurement. A new Government procurement policy note (PPN) encourages authorities and utilities to look beyond immediate commercial outcomes and take a more strategic approach, with greater focus on supply chain resilience, long-term capability and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

“Pay To Stay”: Ofgem’s Plan To Cull The Data Centre Connection Queue

Ofgem's proposed data centre connection reforms introduce substantial upfront commitment fees ranging from £237,500 to £712,500 per MW and stringent queue management milestones for projects seeking grid connections. Will these measures successfully eliminate speculative projects while preserving viable data centre developments, or will they drive investment away from the UK entirely?
United KingdomEnergy and Natural Resources
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May
Article

Gate 2 Connection Offer Deadlines Updated: What Ofgem’s Decision Means For Energy Projects

Ofgem has approved a revised timetable for Gate 2 connection offers under the Gate 2 to Whole Queue process, extending key deadlines that may affect project financing, programme risk and contractual alignment. The decision provides clarity on the National Energy System Operator's licence obligations and introduces phased delivery milestones for energy projects progressing through the connections queue.
United KingdomEnergy and Natural Resources
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Article

EU Nuclear: A €241 Billion Investment Cycle Takes Shape

10 March 2026 was a defining day for EU energy policy. The European Commission published its new strategy for nuclear, offering it a central place in the EU’s energy vision. Two key documents set out its approach: the Strategy for the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors in Europe (the EU SMR Strategy) and the final 8th Nuclear Illustrative Programme under Article 40 Euratom (the 8th PINC).
European UnionEnergy and Natural Resources
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Article

Futureproofing Data Centres: How To Navigate Grid Constraints And Alternative Power Strategies

The UK's rapid expansion of data centres to support its AI ambitions is creating an unprecedented energy challenge, with over 125 gigawatts of projects waiting for National Grid access while demand is expected to increase six-fold by 2035. As grid connection delays threaten to constrain development, operators are increasingly turning to alternative 'behind-the-meter' energy solutions that bypass traditional infrastructure bottlenecks.
United KingdomEnergy and Natural Resources
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Article

Scotland's Hydrogen Opportunity: Why Land, Infrastructure and Regulatory Certainty Matter

Scotland's hydrogen sector is advancing rapidly as developers and investors navigate the complex landscape of land rights, infrastructure requirements, and regulatory frameworks needed to achieve ambitious production targets. With 5GW targeted by 2030 and 25GW by 2045, the intersection of real estate, planning, and evolving EU standards will determine which projects successfully deliver low-carbon hydrogen production and export capabilities.
United KingdomEnergy and Natural Resources
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP