Report shows the way to 100% clean power in UK

The UK’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) has concluded that delivering clean power by 2030 is achievable, according to new analysis.

The Clean Power 2030 report was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of the government’s mission to make Britain a global leader in renewable energy. It sets out how the UK can build, connect and operate a clean power system for Great Britain within the next six years, while maintaining security of supply. 

The analysis indicates that achieving this target could potentially reduce household energy bills by approximately £27 per year and lower wholesale electricity prices by around £10 per megawatt-hour. However, the report acknowledges the significant challenges ahead, stating that achieving the 2030 goal will require an expansion of energy networks on a scale not seen since the 1960s. According to NESO, this transformation is achievable but will require substantial investments and rapid progress in infrastructure development.

To meet the clean power target, NESO has proposed two strategies. The first emphasises a considerable increase in renewable energy generation, particularly offshore wind, while the second focuses on utilising carbon capture and hydrogen technologies.

The report highlights the need for nearly 1,000 kilometers of new power lines and 4,800 kilometers of undersea cables. This level of construction would require more than double the total infrastructure built in the past decade, with many projects needing to commence within the next six months to two years.

Despite the ambitious goals, the report suggests that Britain’s existing stock of gas-fired power plants will remain essential as a backup to ensure reliability in 2030, even if the decarbonisation targets are met. The NESO’s analysis concludes that the UK could become a net exporter of electricity by the end of the decade without incurring additional costs to the energy system.

Fintan Slye, chief executive, National Energy System Operator:

“There’s no doubt that the challenges ahead on the journey to delivering clean power are great.  However, if the scale of those challenges is matched with the bold, sustained actions that are outlined in this report, the benefits delivered could be even greater.

“A clean power system for Great Britain will deliver a backbone of home-grown energy that breaks the link between volatile international gas prices; that is secure and affordably powers our homes and buildings; that decarbonises the transport that we take to school and work; that drives the businesses of today and catalyses the innovations of the future.”

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower CEO:

“Britain needs to deliver the biggest upgrade to the grid since the 1950’s and today’s NESO report has confirmed clean power by 2030 is achievable but will be demanding.

“From an engineering point of view, it’s absolutely doable. What we need now is to clear obstructions from the pathway and deliver a fast and effective planning system that allows the UK to build for the future and grow the economy. We also need a realistic approach to the financing of this huge investment, given the scale and pace of the delivery needed in a short period of time.”

Dan McGrail, chief executive of Renewable UK:

“It’s great to have clarity on what the renewable energy industry needs to deliver to decarbonise the UK’s electricity system by 2030. This is an ambitious programme to move to a more secure and cost-effective system – and we can meet these targets as long as the Government continues to work closely with us to put the right policies in place as soon as possible.

“It’s critical that an effective industrial strategy comes alongside this programme to roll out more renewable energy projects. There’s a golden opportunity for the UK to secure new supply chain investments across the country - and thousands of jobs – if we put the right framework and grants in place to compete with the EU and USA. Consumers will benefit too, as today’s independent report shows that the cost of running a system based on renewables is significantly cheaper than one based on high gas prices.”

Read the NESO report here:
http://eibi.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/NESO-Clean_Power_2030_Report_Final-1.pdf