The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has launched a new consultation regarding the delivery of key network plans in the coming years.
This consultation covers the draft methodology and high-level principles for the future Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan (tCSNP2) Refresh and the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP).
These strategic plans will shape how the energy networks support the delivery of clean power by 2030 and the delivery of net-zero by 2050.
The consultation on these three methodologies will ensure that the plans NESO will deliver are robust and that stakeholders are given a voice from the start of these processes.
The consultation covers the following three publications.
The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) draft methodology, which sets out the principles and method for delivering the SSEP; a long-term view of what energy sources are needed to reach net zero, and their most optimal locations across Great Britain on a zonal basis.
The transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan (tCSNP2) Refresh methodology, which is a refreshed version of NESO’s Beyond 2030 report published in March 2024 that recommended reinforcement projects for the onshore electricity network.
The Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) high level principles, which will underpin the methodology for the CSNP which in future will identify the best options to connect power to the people and sources that need it, using the findings of the SSEP.
The consultation will run from 9 December until 20 January, with a webinar for interested parties on 17 December.
Julian Leslie, Strategic Energy Planning Director and Chief Engineer, NESO, said: “Delivering strategic, coordinated and holistic network planning across the energy system is critical to delivering the net zero network of the future.
“We look forward to working closely with industry and wider stakeholders to develop these plans and look forward to engaging with them through this consultation and over the coming years.”