Britain’s energy network operator has been tasked with an audit of the country’s power infrastructure to speed up the development of renewable energy projects.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) will carry out the review, which will include transport and water sites, to provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s infrastructure in England, Scotland and Wales.
The Department of Energy said the first iteration of the new Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) report will be published in 2026, focused on electricity generation and storage.
According to the department, the aim is to cut grid connection waiting times, lower costs and get projects built quicker.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, SSE PLC (LSE:SSE) chief executive, said: “As one of the largest investors in clean power in the UK we are very supportive of the strategic spatial energy plan.
“Having long-term stability through spatial plans and policy mechanisms will be critical to unlocking billions of pounds of investment across the country, supporting good jobs and building a homegrown energy system that is cleaner, more affordable and secure.”
Kayte O’Neill, NESO’s chief operating officer, said: “By setting out pathway options, engaging across government, the regulator, wider industry, interested parties and with communities, as well as exploring the needs at a more zonal and regional level, we can then identify where and what type of electricity and storage technologies we need to meet our future demand and decarbonisation ambitions.”
Shares in SSE dipped 1.5% to 1,868p.