ESO commissioned to provide key advice and expertise on how Great Britain can achieve clean power by 2030

In advance of becoming the National Energy System Operator (NESO) later this year, the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and Mission Control have commissioned us to provide advice and expertise on how to reach its clean power by 2030 target as part of its mission to make Great Britain a clean-energy superpower.

To deliver a credible pathway to 2030 we’ll consider the generation resource mix, the networks blueprint, the location of assets and the markets frameworks that will be required for a secure, operable and deliverable electricity system.

Britain can reach its decarbonisation ambitions, but there are critical challenges that need to be unblocked to deliver clean power by 2030 and beyond. This includes a huge expansion of low-carbon power supplies to more than double current levels.

Our live reforms to the grid connection process, known as TMO4+, will continue to run in parallel to the development of this plan as the reforms provide the framework to reset the connections queue. 

As well as bringing forward ‘ready’ projects, we’ll work continue to work alongside HM Government, Ofgem and network operators will ensure that the connections process enables the right resources to connect to the system in the right location, at the right time. 

Our proposed grid connection reforms provide the frameworks to achieve this, however, further work will be undertaken with UK Government, Ofgem and industry, to define how this will work in practice and the principles for project prioritisation will form part of this plan. 

Whilst we will advise on how to deliver the clean power 2030 ambition, we’ll continue to plan for the longer term, looking out beyond 2030 to strategically plan energy infrastructure requirements out to 2050. 

Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer, ESO said: 

“We’re delighted to receive the formal commission and backing from the Secretary of State and Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control, for ESO (in anticipation of becoming NESO) to undertake this critical analysis at pace on how Great Britain can achieve clean power by 2030, on its journey to become a clean-energy superpower. 

“ESO will consider the energy generation mix, network infrastructure and markets frameworks that will be required for a secure, operable and deliverable electricity system. 

“As part of this critical work we will undertake engagement where we will seek views from stakeholders, both in the energy industry and beyond.”

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