NESO has published an update to the recommendations first set out in its 2024 Beyond 2030 report, reinforcing the need for investment in the electricity transmission network.
The update said investment would “ensure electricity can be transported reliably and efficiently around the country as demand grows”
This will help support economic growth, improve system efficiency and maintain a secure and affordable electricity supply in the decades ahead, it added.
The update reflects changes to the electricity connections process, UK Government Clean Power ambitions and developments in offshore network planning, while reaffirming the need for investment in Britain’s electricity transmission network.
By the mid-2030s, demand for electricity is expected to grow by more than 30% compared to today, driven by electrification and emerging industries.
Ensuring electricity can move efficiently around Great Britain will support new housing, electric vehicle charging, industry and emerging sectors such as AI enabled data centres, while maintaining a reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses, it said.
By providing greater clarity on where and when network infrastructure is likely to be needed, the update gives Transmission Owners and wider industry a clearer picture of future network requirements and supports future investment planning, NESO added.
The Update includes 43 recommended network projects for delivery in the 2030s. These recommendations will inform future regulatory funding decisions by Ofgem, which is responsible for funding approvals for these projects. Transmission Owners and developers will then be responsible for detailed design and delivery.
Recommended reinforcements have been assessed against deliverability, operability, cost, environmental considerations and impacts on communities, including around three times more new undersea offshore than new onshore network development.
Where onshore reinforcement is needed, upgrades to existing infrastructure have been prioritised wherever possible. This approach helps meet future energy needs while reducing impacts on communities and maintaining a reliable electricity system, it said.
Alongside the Update, NESO has published an Electricity Networks Explainer and Electricity Transmission Design Principles document, providing greater transparency on how network planning decisions are made and how different options are assessed.
Julian Leslie, Director Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer, NESO:
“Delivering timely network upgrades is essential to keeping Great Britain’s electricity system reliable, resilient and affordable and supporting growth.
“This update builds on the recommendations we published in 2024 and reflects changes to the future energy system, including developments in offshore network design, connections reform and the UK Government’s Clean Power action plan.
“By providing greater clarity on where future network investment is likely to be needed, we can help industry plan ahead, support investment decisions and enable economic growth across Great Britain.”
Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, said:
“We are taking a strategic approach to building an energy system fit for the future – that safeguards our energy independence and keeps bills down while driving economic growth in every corner of Britain.
“This provides a blueprint for where our electricity grid is needed – to power AI and industry, and ensure homes and businesses benefit from Britain’s clean, homegrown energy.”
Alice Delahunty, president of electricity transmission at National Grid, said:
“At National Grid, we’re already moving quickly to upgrade our network, increase capacity and support economic growth, while keeping a clear focus on consumer value and reducing costs.
“As electricity demand grows, we need clear and consistent signals on future network needs, including through connections reform. Plans like this from NESO are an important step in the right direction, showing the upgrades and scale of further investment needed, alongside greater use of flexibility..
“We will continue to work closely with partners and stakeholders to review the proposals outlined, and identify the best solutions to upgrade the network and deliver the affordable, resilient infrastructure the UK economy needs.”
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks said:
“SP Energy Networks is investing £12 billion in the transmission network across central and southern Scotland, upgrading the electricity system, boosting jobs and the economy.
“NESO’s update gives further certainty around the country’s future electricity grid and its potential to unlock billions in investment; giving businesses and supply chains the confidence to scale up and deliver. “A fit for purpose modern electricity grid not only supports the UK’s ambition of being a clean energy superpower as it capitalises on its natural resources but also brings real benefits to communities — from new jobs and apprenticeships to improved local infrastructure.”
Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, said:
“Investing in the electricity transmission network is the key enabler of a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations. It will also act as a major catalyst of economic growth, supporting thousands of jobs and the development of existing and new supply chains across the country. Taking a long-term, strategic approach, to planning our future electricity system is vital for maximising the opportunities of these investments and to provide certainty to all stakeholders.”
Image courtesy of NESO
