Energy Independence in the UK: Why Now Is the Time to Act

In early 2025, parts of Spain experienced unexpected pressure on their electricity grid. Amid unseasonably high demand and strained infrastructure, several regions faced energy supply issues that disrupted homes and businesses alike. Just yesterday (13 May 2025), the UK encountered a domestic reminder of our own energy vulnerabilities. Power cuts across sections of the Transport for London network caused significant disruption, with parts of the Underground system forced to shut down and services suspended. These events, occurring only weeks apart and in two highly developed nations, underscore the growing fragility of modern energy systems and the urgent need for greater resilience. 

For the UK, these incidents highlight the case for energy independence. While we cannot fully detach ourselves from the global energy market, we can and should reduce our reliance on it. Energy independence means being able to meet the majority of our national energy demand through domestic generation. That includes investing in solar, wind and battery storage, building more flexible infrastructure and enabling communities and businesses to play a more active role in producing and managing their own energy. 

Increasing our domestic generation capacity offers a path to greater security. When we produce and store energy locally, we become less exposed to global volatility and better equipped to handle demand surges or grid issues. This would help protect vital infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, data centres and transport networks from the sort of disruption seen on the TfL network. More importantly, it would provide the public and private sectors with greater confidence in planning, pricing and operational continuity. 

There is also the question of environmental responsibility. The UK has legally committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Building a more self-sufficient energy system aligns with that goal. Every solar panel installed, every battery deployed, and every building made more energy efficient brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable energy future. It also facilitates wider changes, such as the shift to electric vehicles and the decarbonisation of heating, which depend heavily on a reliable supply of clean electricity. 

Fortunately, the technology needed to support this shift is already in place. Solar power offers a highly scalable and cost-effective solution. It is well suited to rooftops, commercial estates, schools and farmland. When paired with battery storage, it becomes even more powerful, allowing excess energy to be saved for use at times of high demand or low generation. For organisations concerned about capital outlay, fully funded models such as Power Purchase Agreements offer a simple and cost-neutral way to adopt solar and storage technology. 

The recent power cuts in London are a stark reminder that even here, in one of the world’s most advanced economies, our energy infrastructure is not immune to failure. In Spain, a combination of extreme weather and grid limitations had similar effects. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a wider trend, and they signal the urgency of building a more resilient and self-reliant energy system in the UK. 

At Getricity, we believe energy independence is not a distant ideal but an achievable goal. Through fully funded solar and battery solutions, we help organisations take control of their energy use, reduce costs and build long-term resilience. By generating clean electricity on-site and storing it intelligently, our clients protect themselves against future energy risks while contributing to the UK’s broader environmental and economic goals. 

The need for energy independence is no longer theoretical. It is a practical response to real and growing challenges. The future of energy in the UK will be shaped by the decisions we make now. And there is no better time to act.