The location for new UK energy infrastructure will be set out in a strategic plan to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and enable the Government’s clean energy superpower mission.
Building on work to deliver clean power by 2030, energy ministers in the Scottish, Welsh, and UK Governments have asked the newly formed National Energy System Operator (NESO) to produce the first ever strategic spatial plan (SSP) for energy out to 2050, across land and sea in Great Britain.
Planning of energy infrastructure in this way will help cut grid connection waiting times, giving investors confidence on where to build and when.
NESO will develop several options for how the energy system could look in the future which will be presented to ministers.
The first iteration of the plan will be published in 2026 and will focus on electricity generation and storage, including hydrogen assets, from offshore wind farms to pumped storage hydro.
Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: “Delivering the country’s first ever spatial plan will be a major milestone for our new public energy body.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “In Wales we have been developing plans to meet our energy needs at the local, regional and national level for some years and look forward to working collaboratively with the NESO and others to feed into these UK-wide plans.
“Getting this right will help ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities and our industries through the considered development of the clean energy they will need to power them.”
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, said: “I am committed to working collaboratively with other governments where it can accelerate progress towards Scotland’s economic and net zero targets.
“Key to the plan’s success will be ensuring that investor confidence is maintained throughout.
“It is also vital that it takes into account the nature of devolved policies and ambitions, delivers real benefits for the people and communities of Scotland and supports our ongoing efforts for a just transition.
“I look forward to working with the UK and Welsh Governments on the plan as it develops.”
Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer, NESO said: “By setting out pathway options, engaging across government, the regulator, wider industry, interested parties and with communities as well as exploring the needs at a more zonal and regional level we can then identify where and what type of electricity and storage technologies we need to meet our future demand and decarbonisation ambitions.”
Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive, SSE: “Having long-term stability through spatial plans and policy mechanisms will be critical to unlocking billions of pounds of investment across the country, supporting good jobs and building a homegrown energy system that is cleaner, more affordable and secure.”
CEO of Ofgem, Jonathan Brearley, said: “Ofgem will work closely alongside the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments, as well as NESO, to protect consumers and to deliver clean power at the lowest possible cost.”