Electricity networks and the supply chain have come together to create a comprehensive Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan.
The growth plan, developed jointly by Energy Networks Association (ENA) and BEAMA, working with delivery partners, aims to provide new analysis on the impact of grid investment and create a joint, long term work programme for new jobs and supply chain opportunities.
The Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan interim report reveals that tens of thousands of job will be generated across electricity transmission and distribution network operators, supply chain and contractors.
Upgrading the electricity networks will require highly skilled engineers, technicians and support staff, with high quality permanent jobs being created, the plan said.
Within the supply chain supporting the creation of grid infrastructure, there’s the need for large quantities of equipment, including transformers, switchgear, cables, convertors and substations, as well as protection and control technology, with opportunities for UK businesses to provide both equipment and services, it added.
The interim report details the steps that the industry will take to investigate the full impact of grid investment through current and future distribution and transmission price controls. Over the next six months, ENA, BEAMA and its delivery partners, will be conducting comprehensive, sector-wide analysis that will inform the full growth plan.
It aims to create:
- A comprehensive economic analysis to quantify the potential scale of growth to UK plc stemming from network investment.
- An action plan to support the growth of the UK supply chain and to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability.
- A collaborative work programme to deliver workforce and skills requirements for the whole sector, covering transmission, distribution, independent networks and the supply chain.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“Our clean energy mission is the economic opportunity of the 21st century – from delivering the biggest upgrade to Britain’s outdated electricity network in decades to attracting over £50 billion in private investment for clean, homegrown energy over the last year.
“This growth plan is now a chance to work together across the industry to ensure our British supply chains and skilled workforces feel the benefits of the clean energy transition for generations to come – creating good jobs, economic growth and protecting billpayers for good.”
Cordi O’Hara, President, National Grid Electricity Distribution and Co-Chair of the ENSGP Steering Group said:
“Electricity networks are the backbone of the UK’s future, powering growth and delivering secure, affordable, clean energy for communities and businesses across the country.
“This interim report for the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan marks a step change in how industry, Government and regulators work together, setting out a shared ambition to unlock national prosperity.
“By collaborating and working at pace, we’re focused on ensuring the UK’s largest grid upgrade in a generation can create the foundations for growth, jobs and a resilient economy, now in the future.”
Phil Dingle, Future Networks Director at Lucy Electric and Co-Chair of the ENSGP Steering Group, said:
“We are at a pivotal moment for decisions needed within the vital supply chain to make the Clean Power 2030 mission achievable.
“There is competition the world over for the technologies we have pioneered here in the UK and the changing nature of skills as we embrace digitalisation across our sector and the electricity networks.”
Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association, which represents electricity network operators, said:
“Businesses like ours are creating jobs and investing in the UK so that we can be successful in this global competition. It is through the shared ambition and collaborative action of this Growth Plan that we can realise the scale of this opportunity for clean power, economic growth and jobs.
“This is a once in a generation chance to strengthen the UK’s industrial base and support the creation of a national economy shaped for future opportunities, with all parts of the country also benefiting from the growth that grid investment will enable
“Upgrading our grid can unlock the country’s renewable potential and deliver cleaner, secure, homegrown energy in the years ahead, while the work involved will mean tens of thousands of high-quality jobs being created and huge opportunities for UK businesses within our supply chains.
“Bringing together Government and industry for the first time to create a practical Sector Growth plan means we can make the most of this once in a century opportunity and I’m proud ENA can play its part as the lead delivery partner.”
Yselkla Farmer, CEO, BEAMA, which is the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, said:
“BEAMA represents a manufacturing supply chain already well established in the UK, providing good jobs rooted in local communities. Our members supply products for the transmission and distribution networks, and independent market including critical infrastructure for EV charging, renewables and battery storage.
“We have a long history in producing equipment needed for the networks and we know there is a golden opportunity to grow this industry, invest in the UK and oversees to ensure we have a resilient supply chain for the future.
“Investment in manufacturing is essential for the delivery of clean power and electrification across the UK and what this growth plan represents is a new way of working with the supply chain, unprecedented collaboration across Government and with the Network Operators that I am very proud of.
“Leading alongside ENA to deliver this plan I thank all our members and DESNZ for their ongoing commitment and dedication to this work, to capture a once in a generation opportunity for growth and employment.”
Beatrice Filkin, Ofgem Director of Major Projects, said:
“Energy is central in powering Great Britain’s economy. As regulator we are driving the modernisation and expansion of Britain’s grid to harness more homegrown, secure, low-cost energy which helps power economic growth.
“Last week we announced record investment in our networks and the new Sector Growth Plan will help maximise the local growth opportunities from that investment.”
Image of report courtesy of ENA/BEAMA
