Recommendation 31

The grid network has been built piecemeal on the basis of the energy needs of the nation over time. The energy system in the UK is changing and electricity grid network design needs to adapt to meet this change. We are encouraged to see the Government shifting to a more strategic, planned approach to the network and welcome the recent policy work to set this out. However, given the complexity of delivering new grid infrastructure, the urgency of net zero targets and the multiplicity of different actors involved in the sector, we consider that there is a need for a more joined-up approach, which ultimately must be led by the UK Government.