Post: “Radical approach” needed to decarbonise the power grid

“Radical approach” needed to decarbonise the power grid

A “radical approach” is required from government to drive the major infrastructure and system transformation needed to decarbonise Great Britain’s electricity system by 2030, according to a new report by the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC).

The report, titled “Rapid decarbonisation of the GB electricity system”, said s decarbonised electricity system will be the “essential backbone of a future, highly electrified net zero energy system”. Rapid transformation to a decarbonised electricity system will significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuel imports while providing a range of opportunities to create economic, employment, health, and other benefits. As such the report urges policymakers to make accelerating the delivery of grid, power generation and flexibility infrastructure a “national mission” and a central pillar of the new government’s industrial strategy.

The new system must be different, not just bigger but more flexible and digitally enabled. Transforming the system to be digital-first in a cybersecure way is essential to supporting and managing a more complex, distributed, renewable-based system, while enabling the public to engage with the system more flexibly, benefiting the grid and saving consumers and government money. But the report said data needs to be shared effectively and developed actively to be a major engine of acceleration.

It also called for a “front-footed approach” to procurement and regulation to ensure the UK can get ahead in the global race to decarbonise electricity, while policymakers must tackle “difficult decisions” on planning, consenting and connection delays while building public support. Finally, government should retain a long-term view to ensure that the intense focus on delivery towards 2030 does not delay near-term actions needed to unlock the best options for post-2030.

Beyond 2030, the report highlights changes to a future energy system that require action this decade. These include achieving progress on hydrogen storage and transmission, investing significantly in the distribution network to manage further electrification of heat and transport, and expansion of power generation assets, potentially including a broader range of renewables such as tidal.