After claiming that 2019 was the UK’s cleanest year on record for electrical energy, National Grid have unveiled plans to increase the use of renewables and innovative technology in electricity networks over the next 5 years. 

In December 2019, National Grid submitted their 5 year Electricity Transmission business plan to Ofgem for approval. 

Their proposed plan, which covers 2021 – 2026, includes investing between £7.1bn and £10.1bn in the grid to create a reliable electricity supply that aligns with the government’s target to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

The plan includes proposals to invest in innovative technology and equipment to support the electricity support operator (ESO) to operate a net-zero carbon electricity system by 2025.

They will also invest in an integrated network for connecting offshore wind which will make it faster, cheaper and less disruptive.   

This investment affords opportunities and stimulates competition for the renewables sector to help the National Grid build an electricity supply based off renewable and sustainable energy sources.

The plan also includes National Grid’s own target to reduce their own direct greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, and sourcing 100% of their metered electricity from renewables.

Ofgem are expected to give their final decision to the plan just before COP26, in November 2020.