National Grid estimates the UK will require 263GW of installed power capacity to meet its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050, up from 108GW in 2018.
The company said in its ‘Future Energy Scenarios 2019’ report that a net zero scenario would see annual electricity demand reaching 491 terrawatt-hours by 2050.
The report maps pathways for the future energy in the UK for the next 30 years and beyond.
As well as the net zero scenario, four other potential energy futures are mapped with the aim of stimulating “debate” rather than providing “definitive predictions”, National Grid said.
Net zero would see renewables and natural gas paired with carbon capture use and storage playing a key role in meeting the demand, it added.
National Grid ESO head of strategy and regulation Kayte O’Neill (pictured) said: “We balance supply and demand of GB energy day in day out so see first hand how the system is changing.
“Although these are not firm predictions we’ve talked to over 600 industry experts to build this insight and it’s clear whilst net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is achievable, there are significant changes ahead.
“Electric vehicles continue to be a catalyst for decarbonizing the system, making it more flexible as well as bringing down costs for consumers too – and whilst gas will still have an important role to play, a clear plan for the decarbonization of heat is needed.
“It’s our ambition to be able to operate a net zero electricity system by 2025 and the fundamental changes outlined in this report make it more important than ever to take a whole system view to ensure we have a coordinated approach to decarbonizing the whole energy sector.”