Sustainability is a major concern for modern manufacturers and regulators alike. In 2026, we’re likely to see a continuation of a modern trend toward efficient DC power supplies, batteries, and sustainable energy sources. We are also likely to see increasing pressure on businesses that fail to comply with modern standards, from both regulators and consumers.
UK’s Clean Power 2030 & Net-Zero Trajectory
The UK government is legally obliged to reach net zero by 2050. This ambition is set to inform just about every decision regarding energy infrastructure that’s set to take place in 2026. The current Labour government, and in particular the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, have made explicit commitments to the green agenda for the coming parliament; therefore, it’s reasonable to expect continued moves toward green power in the immediate future.
Renewable Capacity & Storage Scaling One of the things that has characterised the power grid in recent years has been an enormous growth in offshore wind and solar power. These energy sources are highly renewable, but they’re intermittent. When the energy isn’t being generated, we need a means of relying on other sources. This might mean a diverse energy sector that incorporates nuclear and fossil fuels, but it also means building batteries.
The UK’s Battery Energy Storage system is among the largest in Europe, with around ten gigawatts of projects approved, and 3.5 gigawatts under construction. This storage might ultimately provide the buffer needed to deal with the inherent intermittency of renewable energy.
Industrial Efficiency via DC Distribution
In many cases, businesses are seeking to distribute power via DC in order to capitalise on several efficiency advantages. To do this well, high-quality DC power supplies are essential. This is where modern switching supplies, which take the place of traditional ones, tend to shine.
Emergence of DC Microgrids in the UK
A DC grid has a number of advantages over a traditional AC one. It provides greater control and greater reliability. But it can’t replace AC, since it suffers from losses over long distances.
The compromise comes in the form of microgrids, which might be installed in commercial and industrial settings in which power can be consumed very close to where it is being generated (or received via the larger grid). This helps to keep the grid resilient and to avoid the losses that come from AC/DC conversions.