National Wealth Fund Sets Out £5bn-a-Year Plan to Power UK Growth and Net Zero

The UK’s National Wealth Fund (NWF) is accelerating investment into the industries shaping the country’s economic and net-zero future.

Under a new five-year strategy, the fund will focus on ten priority sectors — including carbon capture, batteries, hydrogen, the power grid and energy storage — to help kickstart growth and strengthen the UK’s industrial base.

Scale is central to the plan. CEO Oliver Holbourn has confirmed annual investments of £4–5 billion through to 2030/31, with funding expected to create or support 200,000 jobs nationwide. “We’re going to move more quickly and with a sharper focus,” Holbourn said as the strategy was unveiled.

Established in 2024 by the Labour government, the NWF provides debt and equity finance for major clean energy and transport projects, working alongside private investors to mobilise capital at pace. Its core focus spans ports, nuclear, green steel and energy infrastructure, while also exploring opportunities in defence, advanced materials and critical minerals to reinforce domestic supply chains.

With £28 billion available for investment — and around 30% already committed — the fund is already backing landmark projects such as Sizewell C, major grid upgrades with ScottishPower, and transmission investments across the UK.

For businesses operating in clean energy and infrastructure, the signal is clear: the UK is backing growth with long-term capital — and moving fast.