Britain must act decisively and sustain efforts beyond 2030 to meet its 2050 net zero emissions target in a secure and affordable way, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) said in a report published on Monday.
NESO’s first Future Energy Scenarios: Pathways to Net Zero 2025 (FES 2025) outlines the country’s progress and challenges on its carbon neutrality path. The report highlights the need for faster deployment of clean electricity, hydrogen, bioenergy, and energy storage, while also urging greater support for households and businesses to adopt low-carbon heating and improve energy efficiency.
“Accelerating the roll-out of clean energy technologies is imperative to help deliver a clean and affordable energy system in the long-term,” said NESO chief executive Fintan Slye. “The choices made today will shape the success of each wave of Britain’s transition.”
According to the report, electricity demand could nearly triple from around 290 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024 to between 705 TWh and 797 TWh by 2050. Clean power will play a central role, supported by the expansion of wind, solar and hydrogen generation.
The report outlines three net zero scenarios, each involving different balances of electrification, hydrogen use, and consumer engagement. If infrastructure development aligns with demand, annual carbon emissions could fall to around 100 megatonnes by 2040 – down from about 400 megatonnes today.
NESO estimates that electric vehicles will provide the largest source of energy system flexibility, offering up to 51 gigawatts (GW) of capacity during peak periods.
“We have run the electricity system at 95% zero-carbon for the first time and phased out coal entirely,” Slye added. “But this isn’t enough. We need to go further and faster.”
FES 2025 identifies four distinct waves in Britain’s net zero journey. With the foundation phase largely complete, the UK is now entering the second wave, focused on scaling markets and rolling out low-carbon technologies through 2030. This phase will lay the groundwork for growth and completion phases leading to 2050.
Key recommendations in the report include accelerating the buildout of electricity, gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture infrastructure; advancing nationwide energy efficiency; and promoting industrial decarbonisation through low-carbon fuels and carbon capture technologies.
The publication comes amid a year of notable energy policy reforms in the UK, including the lifting of the offshore wind development ban and initiatives like the Clean Power Action Plan. NESO also launched its Strategic Spatial Energy Plan and Regional Energy Strategic Plan to help guide infrastructure planning through mid-century.
FES 2025 is expected to inform long-term planning for Britain’s evolving energy system and support a smoother transition toward a net zero economy.
