The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has welcomed the UK Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) proposed £58bn investment in the electricity grid.
The plan, in the Beyond 2030 report, would aim to connect a further 21GW of offshore wind off the coast of Scotland to the grid.
The report emphasises the need for prompt action, recommending an expansion of the offshore grid and a new North-to-South ‘’high-capacity electrical spine”.
Getting offshore electricity generation to the mainland is important, but the future grid must ensure onsite generation is catered for, so industry can decarbonise efficiently and feed into the network.
Nina Skorupska, CEO of REA, said: “After all the recent UK Government statements declaring the ambition for Net Zero power by 2035, it is a relief to see the publication of this very important plan ‘Beyond 2030′.
“It sets out a picture of scale and steps needed to deliver a coordinated, efficient and holistic future electricity network.
“It is a welcome piece of the Net Zero electricity puzzle.”
“Those dependent on electricity system development know we also need to see the delivery of the broader Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, covering gas, hydrogen and potential CO2 networks, regional plans and full connections reform.
“All of which requires the new National Energy System Operator to be officially up and running this summer, ensuring real change is delivered as soon as possible.”
“I also hope that the National Infrastructure Commission and Nick Winser, the Government’s Electricity Networks Commissioner, will work with the REA and wider Sector to ensure this ‘National Blueprint’ is delivered and implemented as soon as possible.
“With the scale of investment (£58 billion) in the grid infrastructure so significant and coming from the consumer ultimately, it is important that action taken must be purposeful to realise the additional value in jobs, increased energy security and Net Zero.”
Stephen McKellar, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said: “With consumers and businesses facing increased energy bills driven by our reliance on imported gas, there is a pressing need to increase access to cheap, popular renewable energy, which is precisely what these crucial upgrades to our decades-old electricity network infrastructure will provide.
“Transforming the UK’s electricity grid infrastructure will require meaningful conversations with the people of Scotland on what a future electricity network will look like and why it is essential for our net zero energy targets.
“We urge both the UK and Scottish Governments to work with industry to engage closely with the public and help industry to explain to the public why grid infrastructure is vital to cut bills and drive economic development in the transition to a clean energy system.”