1. Britain’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) will produce two key energy plans: a strategic spatial energy plan and a centralised strategic network plan.
2. The NESO will have a whole energy system role, encompassing electricity and gas, to plan system security and resilience towards achieving a net-zero energy system.
3. The NESO is intended to be independent, with high levels of engineering capability and accountability to act in the best interests of consumers, with consultations currently ongoing for the proposed licences.
The UK is preparing to establish the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to replace the current National Grid ESO. The NESO will have roles in electricity market operations, gas market planning, and a whole energy system role to ensure system security and resilience towards achieving a net-zero energy system. Two key plans proposed are a strategic spatial energy plan and a centralised strategic network plan.
The strategic spatial energy plan will determine the optimal mix and location of generation and energy infrastructure to meet demand and net-zero targets. This will inform the network infrastructure needed, which will be further planned through the centralised strategic network plan to support wider network planning for net zero goals. Initially focusing on the electricity transmission network, the plan will later expand to cover the entire energy system.
The NESO will be an independent expert body with engineering capability, aiming to act impartially in the best interests of consumers. Consultations are ongoing for the proposed licences for electricity system operation and gas system planning, with the NESO expected to launch in 2024. Overall, the NESO is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the UK’s energy system towards sustainability and resilience.