Are UK Clean Energy Schemes Fit for 2030 with Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett

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Aug 19, 2025

Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, a prominent figure in energy and climate policy, dives into the pressing challenges facing the UK's clean energy frameworks. He discusses the evolution of Contracts for Difference, focusing on their limitations amidst rising energy demands. The conversation highlights financial complexities in renewable projects, including market inefficiencies and cost structures. Sulaiman also examines the Clean Power 30 reforms, emphasizing the need for swift, equitable solutions to meet 2030 decarbonization targets and ensure a sustainable energy future.

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ANECDOTE

Career Path Shaped By Systems Thinking

Sulaiman described his path from DEFRA to head roles in flexibility and CFDs, focusing on systems thinking.
He credits his master's dissertation and early flexibility work for shaping his policy approach.

INSIGHT

How CFDs De-Risk Renewables

Contracts for Difference (CFDs) give long-term price certainty so banks will lend to capex-heavy renewables.
The CFD auction discovers competitive strike prices while sharing market risk between generators and consumers.

INSIGHT

Legacy Schemes Still Shape Bills

Older subsidy schemes (FIT, RO) still materially affect bills even as CFDs change incentives.
Renewables on CFDs can reduce wholesale prices, offsetting some policy costs for consumers.

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The UK’s clean energy ambitions depend on more than just building wind farms and solar arrays they rely on the systems and schemes that decide how those projects connect to the grid and how they sell their power.

From the long-established Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions to the upcoming Clean Power 30 reforms, the rules and incentives that have shaped renewable deployment are now under pressure.

With the volume of projects in the pipeline and 2030 targets approaching fast, the question is whether these mechanisms are fit for today’s pace of change.Without changes to connection processes and offtake frameworks, gigawatts of clean energy could stay stuck in the queue, missing climate deadlines and adding costs. Reforming these systems is critical to delivering the UK’s 2030 decarbonisation goals.

In this special Transmission × Energy Revolution Podcast crossover, Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, who has worked at the heart of government energy policy joins Modo Energy’s Ed Porter to explore:

How today’s grid connection schemes work and where delays are building up.
The role CfDs have played in accelerating renewables, and the limitations they now face.
What Clean Power 30 could mean for developers, investors, and the wider market.
The balance between speed, fairness, and system stability in connecting new generation.
Lessons from inside government on designing schemes that actually deliver.

About our guest

Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett is a recognised leader in energy and climate policy. Formerly Head of Policy and Strategy for Renewable Delivery at the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge, he brings deep expertise in renewable energy systems, market design, and policy innovation. With a career spanning government, academia, and climate advocacy, Sulaiman has shaped strategies to accelerate the energy transition and unlock renewable deployment at scale.

Connect with Sulaiman on LinkedIn

About Modo Energy

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