UK ESO proposes £58 B grid plan
The investment would help UK meet its growing power demand.
Image for illustration purposes.
UK, London: The UK Electricity System Operator (ESO) has published a report and proposed a £58 billion investment in the electricity grid to meet growing demand for electricity in the UK by 2035. According to Beyond 2030, investment will allow Britain to exploit the economic potential as a leader in offshore wind by moving the power to where it is needed.
The aim of the plan is to connect 21 GW of offshore wind in development off the coast of Scotland to the grid, supporting a country-wide total of 86 GW. The report emphasizes the need for coordinated action across the energy sector, government, the regulator, and communities to deliver the infrastructure in time, also recommending as expansion of the offshore grid and a new North-to-South electrical spine.
This could mean offshore wind farms off the coast of Scotland would have their energy transported via a new route. ESO added that this is an early-stage option which requires further consideration and consultation.
The investment programme could enable a fully decarbonised electricity system in the UK by 2035, in line with the Sixth Carbon Budget, and create over 20000 jobs annually, with 90% of the benefits occurring outside London and the south-east. Further design optimisation, innovation and community engagement will be undertaken to ensure that the needs of different communities and wider economic and system security needs are balanced, it added.
Fintan Slye, executive director of ESO, said: “Great Britain’s electricity system is the backbone of our economy and must be fit for our future. ESO’s Beyond 2030 network design outlines recommendations on the investment needed and how and where to coordinate the build of this new critical national infrastructure.”
A National Grid spokesperson said: “The huge growth in offshore wind, interconnectors, and nuclear power, will all generate more electricity than the networks are currently able to transport. The Electricity System Operator’s Beyond 2030 report recognises the need for networks to be delivered at pace and is an important step in unlocking a more affordable and resilient decarbonised electricity system in the UK.”
Source: renews.biz
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