The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA)
welcomes today's publication of the National Energy System
Operator (NESO) Clean Power 2030 report. The report underlines
the urgent need for a diverse mix of technologies to reach the
UK's clean power goals and calls for accelerated action on
planning processes and timely grid connections.
The REA looks forward to collaborating with NESO and industry
partners to drive forward these recommendations and support the
UK's transition to a secure, low-carbon energy system, including
through the publication of our annual Energy Transition Readiness
Index (ETRI) report to be published later this week that will
picking up on many of these issues.
Mark Sommerfeld, Deputy Director of Policy, REA
(Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology),
said:
“NESO's guidance to government confirms that achieving the
UK's goal of a Clean Power system by 2030 is both feasible and
beneficial. Decarbonising the grid will not only enhance energy
security but also shield the UK from the volatile fossil fuel
prices that have driven recent energy cost surges.
However, NESO highlights the challenges ahead. All pathways
to Clean Power 2030 will need to tackle major barriers—issues the
REA has long advocated for. This will require a national
commitment to upgrading grid infrastructure to enable connections
for generation, storage, and clean demand technologies like EVs
and heat pumps.
The report underscores that there is no single solution for
achieving Clean Power 2030. The UK has the technologies needed,
but realising this goal will require advancing all renewable
sources. Wind and solar will form the backbone, while various
storage technologies provide flexibility. Bioenergy, including
BECCS, offers crucial firm generation and system stability that
make Clean Power 2030 achievable.
The REA and its members look forward to collaborating with
the Clean Power Mission within government to turn this ambitious
target into a reality.”
