National Grid has set out how industry, government, and the regulator can take immediate and decisive action to enable the decarbonisation of the UK power sector by 2035.
The recommendations set out in ‘Delivering for 2035: Upgrading the grid for a secure, clean and affordable energy future’ are critical to realise the scale and pace of the transformation needed over the next decade.
It said progress ‘has already been made’ towards transforming the UK’s power system – but fully decarbonising the power sector by 2035 ‘will require more urgent action from industry, government and the regulator’.
Investment in Great Britain’s energy networks could also contribute an average of £18.4bn annually to GDP and support over 220,000 jobs each year to 2035, it said
National Grid set out five priority actions including reform the planning system; ensuring the regulatory and governance framework is set up for delivery; transforming how clean energy connects to the grid, and accelerating net zero projects; delivering a community benefits framework; and developing supply chain capacity and a skills pipeline.
John Pettigrew, National Grid PLC Chief Executive Officer, said: “The UK has made significant progress in decarbonisation over the last decade. But today, we all stand at a critical juncture. The scale of the transformation needed over the next decade and beyond is a level not seen for generations with a far greater level of investment needed over a much shorter timeframe. Incremental change will not be sufficient – we need a transformative approach.
“We believe the five priority actions we have set out today can drive our energy transformation, bringing with it a huge boost to the economy, more jobs, lower household bills and greater energy security.
“National Grid is already playing its part in investing in clean energy infrastructure and transforming the UK’s energy system to make sure it is fit for the future, investing more than £16bn in the five years to April 2026 to upgrade our networks and support the UK’s net zero ambition.
“We are committed to working with government and the regulator we focus on delivering a clean, fair and affordable energy future.”
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