British energy ministers have directed the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to create a comprehensive blueprint for the country's energy infrastructure through 2050, aiming to enhance investment stability and reduce costs.
This initiative marks the first strategic spatial plan for energy in the UK, outlining the optimal locations for new energy infrastructure to facilitate a faster transition away from fossil fuels.
The government stated that this planning approach would help minimize grid connection waiting times, thereby boosting investor confidence regarding where and when to develop new projects.
“Planning of energy infrastructure in this way will help cut grid connection waiting times, giving investors confidence on where to build and when,” the government said in a statement.
NESO will consider the distribution of energy projects nationwide while also factoring in the needs of other sectors, such as transportation and water supply, alongside environmental impacts. The objective is to lower overall system costs, which could lead to reduced bills for consumers.
The initial version of the plan is set to be published in 2026 and will primarily focus on electricity generation and storage solutions, including hydrogen assets, as well as technologies ranging from offshore wind farms to pumped storage hydro.
