It was announced by Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) last week, that on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, the UK is set to launch its new National Energy System Operator (NESO), a significant development in the nation’s push toward achieving a clean energy future. This newly independent body, created by DESNZ, will bring both the electricity and gas network planning under one roof. The launch of NESO marks a pivotal step in addressing the challenges of the UK’s energy transition.
NESO will take over the roles previously handled by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) and the Gas System Operator (GSO). The key idea behind this move is to unify the planning, coordination, and management of both gas and electricity networks to better support the UK's targets for reducing carbon emissions.
What are NESO's key Responsibilities:
Integrated Energy System Planning:
To oversee the long-term planning and day-to-day operation of both electricity and gas networks. We are hoping this integrated approach will ensure a smooth transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, improving the ability to balance supply and demand across diverse energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydrogen.
Forecasting demand:
The operator will also be responsible for forecasting future energy demands and planning the infrastructure needed to meet those demands.
Decarbonising the Gas Network:
One of NESO’s major tasks will be to oversee the gradual decarbonisation of the gas network.
Supporting Renewable Energy Expansion:
With a strong mandate to accelerate the UK’s renewable energy capabilities, NESO will ensure the electricity grid is capable of integrating increasing amounts of renewable power. The NESO’s strategic planning will be essential in creating a grid that can handle the intermittency of wind and solar power while also supporting large-scale energy storage and flexible demand solutions.
Infrastructure Investments:
To meet the demands of a modern, low-carbon energy system, NESO will coordinate infrastructure investments aimed at upgrading the UK's energy networks. This will include investments in smart grids, digital technologies, and energy storage systems that are key to a resilient and reliable energy supply.
This can't happen quickly enough for us or our clients. We're keen to see the benefits of these changes filtering down to make a difference to projects both current, in planning and also on the shelf due to current constraints.
The overall ambition for these changes are:
Faster renewable project approvals
Increased investment
Greater certainty
Greater energy security & affordability
Accelerated grid connections
Do get in touch to talk about your journey to clean energy.
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