11 December 2024 - Work of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - Oral evidence

What’s in the energy mix for the UK to achieve clean power by 2030?

After a sometimes contentious evidence session on the future roles of gas, hydrogen and electrification in heating our homes the Committee will hold the first public evidence session with the UK’s new National Energy System Operator on December 11.  

Officially established on the 1 of October this year, NESO is a national not-for-profit company charged with planning Britain’s gas and electricity networks and ensuring a sufficient and stable power supply to the grid.   

NESO has predicted that by the time of the UK’s 2030 target for clean energy, overall electricity demand could rise by 11%. It says demand flexibility – shaping consumer behaviour to transfer demand away from peak times - must increase by four-to-five times current levels. 

Smart meter delays and connection queues

But the rollout of smart meters with their function in regulating demand flexibility is way off target after being hit by serial delays, and there is a long “queue” of renewable and community energy projects, at different stages of readiness, waiting for a connection to the power grid. 

On November 5 NESO published two sets of proposals that are expected to have a pivotal role in shaping the Government’s strategy for clean power by 2030 and reducing the long connection delays that are hindering the UK’s progress to net zero: its Clean Power 2030 advice to Government, and a detailed consultation on reform to the UK’s creaking system of grid connections.