An assessment by the UK National Infrastructure Commission identifies the areas where investment should be prioritised to avoid future shortfalls.
“The whole purpose of the UK’s first National Infrastructure Assessment is to look beyond today’s technologies and ensure we can capitalise on future innovations,” explains Sir John Armitt CBE. “That is why this is not a one-off exercise but a review we will repeat every five years to ensure we stay ahead.”
The assessment examines a wide range of infrastructure requirements including digital connectivity, energy, transport, and measures to reduce environmental impact.
“Whether it’s electric or driverless cars, new energy sources, managing climate risks, or preparing for the fastest broadband speeds, the issues we’ve considered affect people’s everyday lives,” Armitt adds.
Building a digital society
The report highlights worrying trends for the UK’s digital infrastructure. Recent rankings showed the UK had slipped to 35th in global broadband speed, with many European countries ahead. This decline reflects years of underinvestment, regulatory shortcomings, and missed opportunities to encourage private investment.
Commissioner Andy Green emphasises the practical consequences: “Businesses need reliable high-speed bandwidth to manage global supply chains in real time, and households expect to stream films and services seamlessly. We cannot afford for any community to be cut off from these essential technologies. Alongside private companies, government must play a role.”
The commission recommends a National Broadband Plan to ensure the government takes targeted action so both rural and urban areas can benefit from the digital revolution. The report notes that switching to full-fibre networks could save up to £5 billion in operating costs over 30 years while delivering speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, although nationwide deployment is likely to take 10–20 years.
While the government has previously announced that 95 percent of the UK has access to ‘superfast’ broadband, the report warns the UK risks falling further behind in speed unless stronger measures and investment are put in place.
Clean energy and decarbonisation
The commission points out that falling costs for renewable energy and batteries are making low-carbon alternatives increasingly viable. Battery prices have dropped by around 80 percent since 2010, improving the case for electrification of transport and flexible energy systems.
The report recommends that at least 50 percent of electricity generation should come from renewable sources by 2030 to meet legal climate commitments and reduce reliance on declining fossil fuel supplies.
Professor David Fisk CB notes: “New nuclear stations will not come online before the 2030s, so we must continue to expand wind and solar capacity to meet our climate targets. Investing now in low-carbon infrastructure and finding the best solutions for heating homes and businesses will help control costs, and savings will be reinforced by the move to low-carbon electric vehicles.”
Transport and electric vehicles
Electrifying transport requires a much larger, reliable network of charging points so drivers no longer fear running out of power. With the right charging infrastructure in place, the commission aims for nearly 100 percent of new car and van sales to be electric by 2030, which would significantly reduce vehicle-related air pollution.
Professor Sir Tim Besley CBE adds: “Automakers are investing billions in electric vehicles. Over time these cars will become more affordable and attractive. A comprehensive charging network and consumer trust are essential if we want drivers to move away from internal combustion engines. Done properly, the UK could benefit from quieter, cleaner vehicles and a more efficient energy system.”
The commissioners report strong commercial interest from private firms to deploy charging technologies, but stress that central and local government support will be needed to accelerate roll-out and ensure equity of access.
Connected and autonomous vehicles
The assessment highlights the time cost of driving—about 140 hours per person per year on average—which could be repurposed for work or leisure if vehicle travel becomes more productive. Adapting roads and roadside infrastructure will be essential to support connected and autonomous vehicles. Suggested measures include connecting traffic signals to vehicles to reduce delays, using adaptable kerbs to reflect changing demands through the day, and designating lanes for different vehicle types.
Funding and delivery
Delivering the commission’s long-term infrastructure ambitions will require substantial investment from both the public and private sectors. Commissioner Julia Prescot emphasises the need to build investor confidence: “The National Infrastructure Assessment gives government the evidence it needs to meet long-term needs. To ensure projects are delivered, we must secure financing and create confidence that funds will be available. Ministers have committed to investing in infrastructure, but we also need innovative funding approaches that draw in private capital.”
The report’s recommended steps are designed to unlock funding and finance mechanisms that will enable the UK to make the improvements and innovations required over the coming decades.
Conclusions
The commission’s assessment provides a clear view of what is required to make UK infrastructure fit for the future and ready to seize opportunities from new technologies. The challenge now is turning these recommendations into funded, well-managed projects that meet targets and deliver benefits on the ground. Planning is a necessary first step, but securing investment and effective delivery will determine success.
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