NESO to Craft Energy Master Plan.

NESO to Develop Strategic Spatial Energy Plan for Great Britain
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been entrusted by the UK, Scottish, and Welsh Governments to spearhead the development of the first Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) for Great Britain.
Embracing a holistic approach, SSEP aims to revolutionize national planning for electricity and hydrogen in Great Britain by pinpointing the most optimal locations for these assets.
Initiating the mission, NESO is focused on formulating and seeking feedback on the methodology for SSEP. This will outline the production process, with NESO utilizing economic modelling to pinpoint potential cost-effective locations for future electricity and hydrogen infrastructure in GB, all while adhering to energy security, decarbonisation, and environmental constraints.
The community’s input will be integrated into the modelling process, influencing outcomes, and shaping the various “pathway options” that SSEP will offer for envisioning the energy system’s future.
SSEP has been earmarked to provide the “high-level blueprint” that will set the pace for planning the future energy system for all of Great Britain.
Presenting an opportunity to optimise and expedite the transition towards clean, secure, and affordable energy – SSEP plans to achieve this by enhancing engagement, consultation, and transparency with communities, industries, investors, and consumers on the trajectory of the reformed energy system.
Interwoven with other NESO plans such as the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) and the Regional Energy Strategic Planner role, SSEP marks a collaborative effort, with NESO set to partner closely with entities like The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer, NESO, stated:
“It is truly an honour for NESO to be entrusted with the task of developing this plan to merge our expertise with that of our partners in crafting this pivotal blueprint for the future energy system of Great Britain.
“By delineating pathway options, engaging with governmental bodies, regulators, industries, stakeholders, and communities, as well as examining requirements at zonal and regional levels, we aim to identify the types and locations of electricity and storage technologies necessary to meet our future energy demands and decarbonisation goals.”
Adding to the dialogue, Gus Jaspert, Managing Director, Marine at The Crown Estate, emphasized:
“Adopting a coordinated, systems-led approach for our forthcoming energy needs is essential to facilitate the energy transition, hasten the deployment of vital renewable technologies, and safeguard our natural surroundings.
“Our pioneering collaboration with NESO has already paved the way for the introduction of the first offshore wind leasing round to the market, accompanied by a prearranged grid connectivity roadmap linking offshore operations with onshore requirements. The SSEP, in conjunction with our Marine Delivery Routemap, presents promising avenues for the collaborative efforts required to bolster both our energy transition and marine environmental preservation.”
Image from Shutterstock
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