Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Paragraph: 20
Lack of unified overall approach to energy system delivery planning risks suboptimal outcomes.
Conclusion
While we welcome the commissioning of a Centralised Strategic Network Plan and a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, the relationship between the two is unclear: unless they are developed in tandem, in an environment where the relationship between the two is actively nurtured, there is an evident risk that the two plans will deliver suboptimal outcomes. We are struck by the current lack of evidence of a unified overall approach to delivery planning for the energy system in a way which explicitly facilitates the joint development of interim net zero energy targets, network system planning and requirements for public and private investment in setting out a path to 2035.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and is establishing a 2030 Clean Power Unit, reviewing NESO's advice, and will publish a Clean Power 2030 Action Plan by year-end. NESO will produce the CSNP in 2027, which will be informed by the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan expected in 2026, addressing the need for a unified approach.
Paragraph Reference:
20
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees this is an important recommendation. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has established the 2030 Clean Power Unit, headed by Chris Stark, to accelerate the delivery of the critical, clean energy infrastructure needed to provide Britain with clean power by 2030. In August 2024, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and Chris Stark commissioned the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to provide independent advice on the pathway to clean power 2030. The Government received NESO’s response on 5 November. We will review this advice and publish a Clean Power 2030 Action Plan by the end of the year. Further to this, NESO will also produce the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) in 2027, which will cover the whole GB network and consider the development of other energy vectors such as natural gas transmission and hydrogen. The CSNP will be informed by the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, which was formally commissioned on 22 October 2024 and is expected to be published in 2026, covering both electricity generation and storage.