Grid investment is long overdue and very welcome, and key
to unlocking funding across a wide range of renewables.
A mix of technologies will be needed for the UK to meet
its net zero targets.
Flexibility services must also be enabled to ease
pressures and accommodate more renewables and
electrification.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA)
welcomes a report published
today by the UK Electricity System Operator (ESO), which proposes
a £58 billion investment in the electricity grid to meet the
growing and decarbonising demand for electricity in Great Britain
by 2035.
The plan would aim to connect a further 21GW of offshore wind off
the coast of Scotland to the grid. The report emphasises the need
for prompt action, recommending an expansion of the offshore grid
and a new North-to-South ‘’high-capacity electrical spine’’.
Getting offshore electricity generation to the mainland is
important, but the future grid must ensure onsite generation is
catered for, so industry can decarbonise efficiently and feed
into the network. Consequently, the REA is calling for a
joined-up approach across transmission and distribution networks,
and an empowered, strategic and holistic remit to NESO’s
objectives.
Read the REA 2024
Manifesto.
Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, CEO, REA (Association for
Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) said:
After all the recent UK Government statements declaring the
ambition for Net Zero power by 2035, it is a relief to see the
publication of this very important plan - “Beyond 2030”. It
sets out a picture of scale and steps needed to deliver a
coordinated, efficient and holistic future electricity
network. It is a welcome piece of the “Net Zero
electricity” puzzle.
Those dependent on electricity system development know we
also need to see the delivery of the broader Strategic Spatial
Energy Plan (covering gas, hydrogen and potential CO2
networks (SSEP)), regional plans and full connections
reform. All of which requires the new National Energy System
Operator to be officially up and running this summer, ensuring
real change is delivered as soon as possible.
The trick now is to convince everyone to play their part.
This is just a start, and we urge the UK Government to sponsor
and lead the vital communication of the plan nationally - to
homes, businesses, industry and generators - highlighting the
need and benefits for all walks of society.
I also hope that the National Infrastructure Commission and
Nick Winser, the Government’s Electricity Networks Commissioner,
will work with the REA and wider Sector to ensure this “National
Blueprint” is delivered and implemented as soon as
possible. With the scale of investment (£58 billion) in the
grid infrastructure so significant and coming from the consumer
ultimately, it is important that action taken must be purposeful
to realise the additional value in jobs, increased energy
security and Net Zero.
