Electricity System Operator (ESO) invests in UK's clean energy system

The Electricity System Operator (ESO) has today (March 19) published its report 'Beyond 2030' which proposes a £58 billion investment in the electricity grid to meet the growing demand for electricity to be decarbonised in Great Britain by 2035.

‘Beyond 2030’ will support the UK in building the single largest offshore wind fleet in Europe by 2035, positioning Scotland as the future world leader in this technology.

Responding, Stephen McKellar, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said:

“With electricity demand set to increase by 64% over the next decade, we urgently need to upgrade our electricity transmission infrastructure if we are to maximise Scotland’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse.

“With consumers and businesses facing increased energy bills driven by our reliance on imported gas, there is a pressing need to increase access to cheap, popular renewable energy, which is precisely what these crucial upgrades to our decades-old electricity network infrastructure will provide.

“Transforming the UK's electricity grid infrastructure will require meaningful conversations with the people of Scotland on what a future electricity network will look like and why it is essential for our net-zero energy targets. We urge both the UK and Scottish Governments to work with industry to engage closely with the public and help industry to explain to the public why grid infrastructure is vital to cut bills and drive economic development in the transition to a clean energy system.”

• A copy of the ‘Beyond 2030’ report is available from the ESO.