UK Smart Power | Biodiversity net gain, the decommissioning cliff edge, and defects in energy assets
Published on 6th August 2026
Decommissioning risks as GB renewable subsidies close, England's BNG reforms and defect liability in UK energy assets
Welcome to the latest edition of UK Smart Power, bringing together legal, regulatory and market insight for asset managers and developers within the green energy sector.
Defra revises England's biodiversity net gain regime following twin consultations
New exemptions take effect this August and nationally significant infrastructure projects come within scope from November.
The closure of GB renewable subsidies puts asset values at risk
The commercial consequences of decommissioning accredited renewable energy assets are permanent and often underestimated.
Early action on UK energy project defects can limit downtime and protect revenues
Five considerations for project success addressing notice, liability, root cause analysis, step-in rights and security.
Further reading: Unlocking the potential of onshore wind powering
Our latest report, A Second Wind: Unleashing the potential of repowering, produced in collaboration with Regen and Nadara, examines the planning, grid reform and investment frameworks shaping the next generation of onshore wind projects across Great Britain. Our legal experts are helping investors and developers navigate planning, grid reform and evolving investment frameworks to unlock scalable, sustainable repowering solutions.
