Strategic Planning
Our energy system is already changing to meet increasing demand, the need for greater security and government’s carbon budgets. But current infrastructure planning can happen in a way that is uncoordinated – whether that is because of misalignment nationally and locally, or because energy organisations each have different strategies.
This risks us not getting the most out of the assets we invest in, or investments being delayed due to a lack of clarity about where they fit into the system.
We will take a strategic long-term approach to planning, identifying whole energy system needs and ensuring that the system can be designed and built accordingly. We will help guide the shape of the future energy system, taking into account what society and communities value, safeguarding the environment whilst ensuring system resilience, and ensuring consumer benefits are realised.
Key information
- Bringing together information, data and different perspectives from across the entire energy system, both nationally and across the regions.
- Working with the government and Ofgem to deliver a coordinated strategy and plan, ensuring greater certainty at all levels and in all networks.
- Creating a regional presence and plan to understand and support the needs of different locations throughout Great Britain.
- Shaping the future energy system to meet policy ambitions for 2030, 2035 and 2050, guided by what society and communities value, safeguarding of the environment, and delivery of consumer benefits.
Current projects and publications
Beyond 2030
The Beyond 2030 report builds on top of the Holistic Network Design and makes a set of network recommendations throughout the 2030s.
Offshore Coordination Project
Offshore wind has been identified as a critical technology in achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In order to help realise this target, a step-change in both the speed and scale of deployment of offshore wind is required.
Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS)
The Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS) is the ESO’s view of future transmission requirements and the capability of Great Britain’s National Electricity Transmission System (NETS) over the next ten years.
Network Options Assessment (NOA)
The NOA is our recommendation for which reinforcement projects should receive investment during the coming year.
Upcoming projects and publications
Centralised Strategic Network Plan
The CSNP will take a broad, whole energy system view to transforming the pace and scale of our planning for the next 25 years.
Strategic Spatial Energy Planning (SSEP)
The SSEP will assess the best location for electricity generation and the storage and transportation of electricity and hydrogen, speeding up and supporting the country’s move to clean, affordable and secure energy.
Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs)
RESPs will be produced for eleven regions across Scotland, Wales and England, setting out the energy distribution networks and low carbon technologies needed to reach net zero in each region.