Green energy plan needs 600 miles of power lines – report

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The UK government needs to build nearly 1,000 km of new power lines to meet their clean energy plans, according to a report from the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The report states that although Labour’s target to decarbonise electricity by 2030 was “achievable”, it would be a “huge challenge”. NESO warned that infrastructure to support the electricity network must be built much faster than the rate seen over the last decade. The government is expected to publish its action plan for updating the grid in coming months.

The report says that meeting the target requires an extensive boost to offshore wind capacity. It recommends increasing electrification of industries, transport and heat. The 620 miles of new power lines required to connect new renewable energy to the grid would need to be accompanied by 4,800 km of undersea cables. This is more than double the amount of connections built in the last 10 years.

The NESO report claims that the scale of the required infrastructure presents a difficult challenge. Many projects would need to begin construction in the next two years, with the aim of completing them in five years. It calls for changes to the planning system to reduce the time it takes for new projects to be approved. NESO did not model the impact of the blueprint on consumer bills.

The previous UK government reported their willingness to pay households cash compensation in the path of new large electricity pylons, alongside current community compensation schemes covered through consumer’s bills. The pledged 2030 net zero carbon electricity system in Great Britain is five years ahead of that pledged by the Conservatives prior to the election. Labour’s shadow energy secretary claims the target is “unrealistic”, while the GMB union has pressed for a “cast-iron commitment to delivering quality jobs here” if renewable energy schemes are implemented

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