Proposals for a new strategic energy planning technical framework setting out the future transmission network infrastructure needed across the UK for electricity, gas and hydrogen opened for consultation today.
The Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) methodology brings together electricity, gas and hydrogen transmission network planning beyond 2030 for the first time in Britain, helping the country achieve net zero by 2050 and driving economic growth.
Delivering a whole system view of the transmission requirements for all three energy sources, it will provide a 25-year roadmap for where infrastructure will be needed to transport energy around the UK.
The CSNP will consider the onshore and offshore electricity transmission networks needed, including cross-border electricity interconnectors and offshore hybrid assets, as well as future requirements for emerging hydrogen technology.
The plan will take into account the anticipated changes of each source as the energy transition continues. It will be reviewed every three years, balancing the needs of consumers, investors, communities and the environment.
The UK’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) is now seeking feedback on the proposals.
NESO’s director of strategic energy planning Julian Leslie (pictured) said: “Our energy system is already changing to meet increasing demand, the government’s carbon budgets and the overriding need for security of supply and helping boost economic growth.
“As the independent organisation at the centre of Britain’s energy system, taking this co-ordinated approach to infrastructure planning is vital – not only to help drive investment decisions, but also to ensure everyone has access to reliable, clean and affordable energy.
“I would encourage as many people to share their views with us as possible, so that we can carefully consider the infrastructure we need to meet a predicted doubling in electricity demand by the middle of the century.”
The CSNP consultation will last five weeks and will support NESO’s Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) by accelerating the delivery of electricity transmission infrastructure post 2030.
It will also provide a considered strategy for the use of the existing gas transmission network, which while not expected to grow, could potentially be repurposed to cater for the emerging hydrogen market.
The plan will identify system requirement needs through vector-specific analyses; include detailed examination of economic, environmental, community, deliverability, and operability criteria to identify the best infrastructure; and also establish the delivery phases for future upgrades.