| Work Detail |
UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero tells Scottish Renewables event system needs investment
Transforming the electricity network is essential if Scotland is to achieve its ambitions for a cleaner, greener future, according to Graham Stuart, UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Stuart told delegates at Scottish Renewables’ Grid and Networks Conference that “nowhere is the need for grid capacity more acute than Scotland”.
More than 200 guests attended the trade body event in Glasgow to explore the urgent action needed to transform Scotland’s electricity network.
The minister also stated reforming the electricity network will reduce consumer bills, bring local jobs, support economic growth across the country and that planning and grid reforms are estimated to accelerate around £90bn of additional business investment over the next 10 years.
Scotland is braced for an era of strategic planning to secure the future of its electricity network with a major shift in grid and network policy from both the UK and Scottish governments.
Grid and network experts at today’s conference explored how the renewable energy industry can work with National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), transmission network operators and Ofgem to deliver the fast, reliable and secure electricity network infrastructure needed to meet Scotland’s net-zero targets.
Speaking grid and network specialists included Harriet Harmon and Tessa Hall both from Ofgem, Paul Wakeley and David Wildash, both from National Grid ESO.
Stuart said: “Scotland is synonymous with renewable energy but there can be no transition without transmission, and our plan to rewire the network will allow us to unlock all of that potential and bring enormous benefits back to Scotland.
“Through an unprecedented package of measures designed to transform our electricity network – as announced in the Autumn Statement – we will reduce consumer bills, drive local jobs, support economic growth across the country, and bring forward £90bn of investment over the next 10 years.”
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said: “Grid infrastructure is essential to the achievement of net-zero and we need pro-active strategic planning to deliver the energy transition as well as a considered conversation with the people of Scotland and the UK on the necessity and urgency of the task.
“The future of our electricity network is a key priority for the renewable energy industry and from speaking to our key stakeholders today we must take firm action at pace in order to deliver the grid and network infrastructure demanded by net zero.” |
