Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted in Part
Guidance on Centralised Strategic Network Plan endorsement in EN-1 remains unclear.
Conclusion
We welcome the decision to endorse the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) in the National Policy Statements. However, we are concerned that the proposed guidance in paragraphs 3.3.78 to 3.3.80 of EN-1 is not clear enough about what, precisely, it is from the CSNP that is being endorsed. This must be unambiguous, to avoid unnecessary argument about the issue during the development consent process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
Government Response Summary
The government clarifies that the NPS will endorse the CSNP's strategic parameters, such as location and technology choice, with further exact details to be defined in the methodology published early 2026.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The CSNP will provide strategic level recommendations for transmission infrastructure based on system need and project demand from the SSEP chosen pathway, ensuring that project level details (such as routing) can be explored and consulted on by delivery bodies. The NPS will endorse the strategic parameters of CSNP projects; the exact details of these are to be defined in the CSNP methodology which will be published at early 2026, but are related to location, technology choice, onshore/offshore classification.