Commenting on National Grid ESO’s “Beyond 2030” report, which outlines a £58 billion investment plan in Britain’s energy system, RenewableUK’s Director of Future Electricity Systems Barnaby Wharton said:

“Reinforcing and expanding our electricity grid is long overdue. It’s essential that we don’t delay any longer and get on with the job, to ensure that we can get the vast quantities of clean power which we’re generating from offshore wind to British homes and businesses as efficiently as possible. This investment in new networks is absolutely vital, to slash bills, make our economy more competitive and boost Britain’s energy security.

“The measures set out in this ambitious plan put offshore wind at the heart of our future energy system, enabling us to decarbonise our electricity network by 2035 and securing our position as a global leader in this key technology. 

“This report shows that building vital new grid will create 20,000 new jobs and boost our economy by £15 billion a year in parts of the country which need regeneration. It also highlights the fact that local communities will have a strong voice in the wide-ranging consultations which will determine how these plans are delivered in a way which minimises environmental impacts , and that local benefit funds will be set up to recognise communities hosting new grid”.     

Polling by Survation, commissioned by RenewableUK, published in August 2023 shows that nearly two-thirds of people (64%) support the development of new electricity grid infrastructure to enable the decarbonisation of the UK economy and improve Britain’s energy security, while only 5% oppose it. 

Significantly, the polling also found that 59% of people would be more approving of a powerline within 5 miles of their home if there was “Clarity on how the new powerline fits into a long-term national plan to increase the UK’s energy security” – which is what has just been published by National Grid ESO.

More details on the polling are available here.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: RenewableUK