The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has begun a consultation on proposals for a new strategic energy planning technical framework. It sets out the future transmission network infrastructure needed across Great Britain for electricity, gas and hydrogen.
This is the first time electricity, gas and hydrogen transmission network planning has been brought together in a so-called Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP). Delivering a whole system view of the transmission requirements for all three networks, it will provide a 25-year roadmap for where infrastructure will be needed to transport energy from where it is generated to where it is consumed in Great Britain.  
The CSNP will consider the onshore and offshore electricity transmission networks needed, including cross-border electricity interconnectors and offshore hybrid assets. It includes repurposing of the onshore gas transmission system and future requirements for emerging hydrogen technology. 
 Julian Leslie, Director of Strategic Energy Planning at NESO, said: “Our energy system is already changing to meet increasing demand, the government’s carbon budgets and the overriding need for security of supply and helping boost economic growth. As the independent organisation at the centre of Britain’s energy system, taking this coordinated approach to infrastructure planning is vital – not only to help drive investment decisions, but also to ensure everyone has access to reliable, clean and affordable energy.  
“I would encourage as many people to share their views with us as possible, so that we can carefully consider the infrastructure we need to meet a predicted doubling in electricity demand by the middle of the century.”  
The CSNP consultation will last five weeks and will support NESO’s Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), by accelerating the delivery of electricity transmission infrastructure post 2030 – helping meet increased demand from electric cars, heat pumps and data centres. It will also provide a considered strategy for the use of the existing gas transmission network, which while not expected to grow, could potentially be repurposed to cater for the emerging hydrogen market.  
NESO encourages government, the energy industry, research bodies, environmental, community and interest groups to share their views in the consultation.