The UK energy industry is wholly supportive of the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) independent analysis of how Great Britain can achieve a clean power system by 2030 (CP30 Report).
Alistair Phillips-Davies (pictured), Chief Executive SSE, said: “Clean power is a big challenge, but if we act with enough urgency, decisiveness and the right partnership between industry, government and regulators then it is achievable.
“Industry will invest the money needed if regulators deliver investible frameworks and government provides supportive policies that get projects built.
“The faster we get there the quicker we can deliver the good jobs and energy security we all want to see; building a strong home-grown system that is affordable and protects families and businesses from future energy price shocks.”
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said the report offers a “welcome line of sight” for the industry and both the Scottish and UK governments.
“As the report has rightly identified, a renewables-based energy system will be more secure and affordable and alongside an effective industrial strategy, we can maximise the reach of the wider economic and social benefits from Scotland’s renewable energy pipeline,” she said.
Mack added that the next 12 months will be pivotal if the UK is to make the progress needed on NESO’s advice, from connections and planning reform to supply chain and workforce development.
Mark Sommerfeld, Deputy Director of Policy, REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), said NESO’s guidance to government confirms that achieving the UK’s goal of a Clean Power system by 2030 is both feasible and beneficial.
“Decarbonising the grid will not only enhance energy security but also shield the UK from the volatile fossil fuel prices that have driven recent energy cost surges,” he said.
All pathways to Clean Power 2030 will need to tackle major barriers – issues the REA has advocated for.
“This will require a national commitment to upgrading grid infrastructure to enable connections for generation, storage, and clean demand technologies like EVs and heat pumps.
“The report underscores that there is no single solution for achieving Clean Power 2030. The UK has the technologies needed, but realising this goal will require advancing all renewable sources.
“Wind and solar will form the backbone, while various storage technologies provide flexibility. Bioenergy, including BECCS, offers crucial firm generation and system stability that make Clean Power 2030 achievable,” Sommerfield added.
Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association (ENA) which represents the UK’s electricity network operators said: “NESO’s advice highlights the need to deliver new grid infrastructure four times faster and accelerate grid connections – both of which will need a radical overhaul of planning and consenting.
“Our members are fully behind Clean Power 2030 and look forward to working with government, NESO and Ofgem to make it a reality.
“The grid has never been more important.”