In a move towards enhancing the UK's energy landscape, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, along with energy ministers from Scotland and Wales, announced the commissioning of the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to develop a comprehensive strategic spatial plan for Great Britain's energy infrastructure. This announcement marks a step in the country’s journey towards a cleaner, more efficient energy system by 2050.

The strategic spatial plan aims to provide a long-term blueprint for energy infrastructure across the UK, designed to stabilise investment and facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The plan is expected to address several critical challenges, including reducing grid connection waiting times and lowering overall system costs, thereby accelerating the government's vision of establishing the UK as a clean energy superpower.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks emphasised the importance of providing investors with the certainty and stability needed to drive growth and investment in clean energy. He remarked, “To help drive growth and investment in our clean energy future, we need to provide investors with the long-term certainty and stability that they have been crying out for.”

The initiative will look at the optimal distribution of new energy projects across land and sea, considering factors such as transport, water supply, and environmental impacts. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance project delivery and reduce costs, potentially benefiting consumers through lower energy bills.

The first iteration of the spatial plan is scheduled for publication in 2026, focusing on key areas such as electricity generation and storage, including the integration of hydrogen assets and the expansion of offshore wind farms and pumped storage hydroelectric systems.

Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer of NESO, welcomed the commission, indicating that the organisation is poised to leverage its expertise in collaboration with partners to develop this essential blueprint. She emphasised the importance of engaging with various stakeholders, including government, industry, and communities, to effectively identify the energy needs and technologies required to meet future demands.

Industry leaders, including Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive of SSE, and Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, have also voiced strong support for the strategic spatial plan. They agree that it will serve as a crucial catalyst for investment and innovation, enabling the UK to progress towards its clean energy goals.

The NESO will consult on the methodology for the plan later this year, with a detailed consultation process to follow the publication of the plan in 2026. This initiative represents a significant milestone in shaping the future of the UK's energy system, aiming to create a resilient, sustainable, and economically viable framework for energy infrastructure.

For more information, you can access the full press release HERE.