Latest news
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NAO: More to be done on value for money investments under net zero
On Friday 19 May, the National Audit Office (NAO) published Support for innovation to deliver net zero. The report looks at whether the government is set to deliver value for money from its approach to investment in research and innovation to deliver net zero.
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Open letter on reforming the electricity connections process published
On Tuesday 16 May, Ofgem published an open letter on future reform to the electricity connections process. This follows a recognition that there is a pressing need to prepare the energy system for a significant increase in nuclear power, offshore wind, and solar power generation capacity which will be needed to meet decarbonisation goals and growing electricity demand.
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National Grid report considers needs to deliver zero carbon grid
On Monday 15 May, National Grid published a report, Delivering for 2035: Upgrading the grid for a secure, clean and affordable energy future, in which it considers the transformation needed to deliver a zero carbon electricity system by 2035.
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Regen responds to Ofgem’s call on the future of distributed flexibility
Following Ofgem’s recent call for input on the future of distributed flexibility, on Wednesday 10 May Regen published its response, outlining four key recommendations.
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DESNZ consults on Strategy and Policy Statement for GB energy policy
On Wednesday 10 May, DESNZ published a consultation on its proposed Strategy and Policy Statement for energy policy in GB
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Energy UK warns upcoming CfD auction will fall short of meeting targets
On Wednesday 3 May, Energy UK issued a release stating that it expects that the upcoming Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction will fall well short of delivering the expansion of offshore wind needed to hit the UK Government’s 2030 50GW target.
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BEIS Committee publishes decarbonisation of the power sector report
On Friday 28 April, the BEIS Committee published its Eleventh Report – Decarbonisation of the power sector, highlighting that “at the current pace of change, the UK is set to fail to hit its target of decarbonising the power sector by 2035.”
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Ofgem provides update on network and connections reform workstreams
On Thursday 27 April, Ofgem published an open letter providing an update on priorities for electricity network charging and connection reforms.
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Aldersgate sets out decarbonisation and electrification policy measures
On Wednesday 26 April, the Aldersgate Group published a new report with University College London (UCL) titled A zero-carbon power grid and the electrification of heavy industry: how to deliver on a twin challenge.
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RenewableUK comments on government’s CfD call for evidence
Renewable UK’s Executive Director of Policy Ana Musat responded to the government’s call for evidence on the potential introduction of non-price factors into the Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction in future allocation rounds, issued on Monday 17 April.
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DESNZ seeking views on CfD application reform
On Monday 17 April, DESNZ announced that it is seeking evidence and views about reviewing applications for the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme.
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SSEN Transmission given green light for net zero innovation projects
On Friday 7 April, SSEN Transmission issued a press release, welcoming the green light given to the three projects it had submitted to the Discovery Round 2 stage of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
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ESO delivers the first phase of its Stability Pathfinders scheme
On Wednesday 5 April, National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) announced the completion of the first phase of its Stability Pathfinders program, which aimed to support the development and delivery of new technologies to generate important system characteristics, such as inertia.
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Ofgem publishes final decision on Pathway to 2030
On Friday 31 March, Ofgem published its final decision on the delivery models for non-radial offshore transmission assets under the Pathway to 2030 (PT2030) workstream of the Offshore Transmission Network Review.
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DESNZ and BEIS publish outcome of Power BECCS consultation
On Thursday 30 March, DESNZ and BEIS published the outcome of its business model for power bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (Power BECCS) consultation.
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Government sets out energy security plans through Powering Up Britain
On Thursday 30 March, Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps set out plans to strengthen GB’s long-term energy security and independence through the publication of Powering Up Britain.
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OEUK warns regulatory uncertainty delaying UK wind projects
In Offshore Energies UK’s (OEUK’s) Business Outlook Report 2023, released on Tuesday 28 March, it highlights that regulatory uncertainty is holding back the development of offshore wind projects at the scale needed to meet government targets.
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EAC publishes government response to proposals for energy transition
On Thursday 23 March, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) published the government’s response to its report on Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies.
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ESC appointed to carry out digital spine feasibility study
Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) announced on Tuesday 21 March that it has been appointed by DESNZ to carry out an energy system digital spine feasibility study, in partnership with Arup and the University of Bath. The digital spine is a concept of technical processes and defined governance roles and responsibilities that will allow the exchange… Read More »ESC appointed to carry out digital spine feasibility study
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Views sought on framework for future electricity network price controls
On Friday 10 March, Ofgem published a consultation on the overarching framework for the network price controls that will replace the RIIO-2 and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) price controls in March 2026 and 2028 respectively. The regulator is seeking to understand the scale of change from the current price control frameworks is required to overcome… Read More »Views sought on framework for future electricity network price controls
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CCC makes recommendations to decarbonise power system by 2035
On Thursday 9 March, the Climate Change Committee published a new report, Delivering a reliable decarbonised power system. The report illustrates what a reliable, resilient, decarbonised electricity supply system could look like in 2035, and the steps required to achieve it. It provides new insights and new advice on how this can be achieved by… Read More »CCC makes recommendations to decarbonise power system by 2035
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REMA consultation responses published
On Tuesday 7 March the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero published its Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) Summary of responses to the consultation.
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UKGBC responds to consultation on National Planning Policy Framework
UKGBC issued a release on Tuesday 7 March responding to the UK Government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework in which it provides recommendations for the reformation of the planning system to more effectively tackle the climate crisis, halt nature’s decline, and develop greater climate resilience. Philip Box, Policy Adviser at UKGBC said: “Many… Read More »UKGBC responds to consultation on National Planning Policy Framework
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Coalition calls for Ofgem to receive net zero mandate
On Monday 6 March, the Energy Networks Association published a joint letter from a coalition of charities, environmental and anti-poverty groups, as well as trade associations representing the breadth of the UK energy industry.
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Views sought on future of Distributed Flexibility
On Wednesday 1 March, Ofgem published a call for input on the future of distributed generation flexibility.
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NAO report examines challenges DESNZ faces in decarbonising power
The National Audit Office (NAO) issued a report on Wednesday 1 March in which it examines the main challenges that the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) faces to decarbonise power.
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Government publishes action plan to improve planning system for NSIPs
On Thursday 23 February, the government published its action plan to deliver reforms across government to improve the planning system for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
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RenewableUK recommends actions to improve investment in UK energy
Ahead of the Spring Budget scheduled for 15 March, RenewableUK has published a report detailing actions the UK Government could take to ensure that the UK remains a desirable target for private investment in new clean energy projects amid increasing competition globally.
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Report calls on UK Government to increase clean energy investment
A report by Energy UK, issued on Monday 20 February, has stated that the UK Government’s targets to address climate change and energy security through the build out of clean, homegrown energy can only be achieved by ensuring that the UK continues to attract international private sector investment into low carbon projects.
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ESC report highlights benefits of digital twins for energy policymakers
On Thursday 16 February, Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) announced that it has published a report titled Digital Twins, Model, Shadow, Twin – the case for policy use, setting out what digital twins are, the benefits of their use for policymakers, and some near-term use cases that the government and Ofgem could leverage to improve the policy processes in the energy sector.
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NIC to review current approach to National Policy Statements
On Friday 10 February, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) announced that it has been asked to review the current approach to National Policy Statements (NPS) and identify how the planning system could create greater certainty for infrastructure investors, developers and local communities.
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Government establishes Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
On Tuesday 7 February, the government announced it will establish a number of new departments, with some designed to replace aspects of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
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ENA Spring Budget submission proposes changes for network investment
Energy Networks Association (ENA) published its submission to the 2023 Spring Budget.
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National Audit Office announces upcoming report
As part of its work in progress, the National Audit Office (NAO) has announced an upcoming paper that aims to examine how BEIS is set up to achieve power sector decarbonisation while maintaining security of electricity supply, and affordability for customers and taxpayers.
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Case study published on impact of policy and regulatory changes on EMR
On Friday 27 January, Energy Systems Catapult published a case study, following its assessment of the impacts of current changes to policies, regulations and market rules on the government’s Electricity Market Reform (EMR), having been commissioned by the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC). It undertook a systematic impact assessment of current non-EMR related changes to… Read More »Case study published on impact of policy and regulatory changes on EMR
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Review of economic regulation of energy and water sectors underway
The government announce that its review of economic regulation, originally detailed in January 2022, is underway.
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Government publishes final report on net zero review
The government announced that it has published its final report on its independent review of the government’s approach to delivering its net zero target.
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Views sought on Scotland’s Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan
The Scottish Government published its Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan for consultation.
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BEIS to consult on capacity market reform to strengthen supply security
BEIS issued a press release outlining proposals to reform GB’s Capacity Market (CM), ensuring it is fit for a net zero future while ensuring the security of our electricity supply
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National Grid ESO publishes annual Operability Strategy Report
National Grid ESO published its annual Operability Strategy Report for 2023, explaining the challenges in operating a rapidly changing electricity system to enable a zero-carbon electricity system in 2035
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EAC calls on government to accelerate transition away from fossil fuels
On Thursday 5 January, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) announced that it has published a report titled Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies, setting out how the UK can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and secure energy supplies. Through the report, the EAC is calling for a national mobilisation, or ‘war effort’, on… Read More »EAC calls on government to accelerate transition away from fossil fuels
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SSEN Distribution reaches next stage of network investment programme
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution announced that, following a competitive tendering process, it has appointed Freedom Group of Companies Ltd as the design and build contractor in the next stage of its £41mn programme to accelerate the net zero transition.
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RWE awarded contract through National Grid Pathfinder 3 competition
RWE announced that it has been awarded a contract through National Grid’s Pathfinder 3 competition, under which it will construct a specialist unit, called a Synchronous Condenser.
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Industry calls for BEIS to address network constraints
Regen published a letter directed to BEIS Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, on behalf of six UK energy trade bodies calling for urgent action to address constraints on the electricity network if the UK is to achieve net zero.
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New study shows how locational market reform can support net zero
Energy Systems Catapult published a new study, demonstrating how reforming the British electricity market so that wholesale prices reflect local supply and demand conditions, could be the foundation of a net zero system.
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NHH Unmetered Supplies to be HH settled
On Wednesday 7 December, Ofgem approved P434 Half Hourly Settlement for UMS Metering Systems for implementation on 14 December 2022.
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UKERC issues response to REMA consultation
UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) published a response to BEIS’ Review of Electricity Market Arrangement (REMA) consultation.
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CEE and major supermarkets urge government to “green the energy grid”
Community Energy England (CEE) announced on 5 December that it has joined forces with the leaders of six major supermarkets – Tesco, Morrisons, M&S, the Co-op Group, Central Co-op and Midcounties Co-operative – to urge the government to “green the energy grid”.
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Catapult addresses BEIS on the prospects of REMA
Energy Systems Catapult released a letter addressed to Graham Stuart, Minister of State indicating fundamental challenges to the energy system that the government should address if net zero goals are to be met.
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UK Power Networks launches its biggest ever flexibility tender
UK Power Networks announced that it has launched its biggest flexibility tender yet, aiming to free up energy capacity across the network to connect more renewables and low carbon technologies, while saving bill payers £400mn by 2028.
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BEIS responds to request to identify new Capacity Market technologies
BEIS published its response to its September consultation seeking to identify new generating technologies for the future Capacity Market, including updates on the progress of vehicle-to-X (V2X) technology and its potential to contribute to security of supply.
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Report highlights consumer behaviour change in response to energy crisis
Energy Systems Catapult published a report titled Measuring the consumer response to the energy crisis.
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UKGBC responds to the government’s review of net zero
UKGBC announced that it has gathered evidence from across its membership to respond to the UK Government’s review of net zero.
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FSO to develop new Centralised Strategic Network Plan
On Thursday 17 November, Ofgem published its decision to require the Future System Operator (FSO) to deliver a new electricity transmission network planning output: a Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP).
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UCL: Green Power Pools could reduce bills for vulnerable customers
On 16 November, the Aldersgate Group released a new paper from University College London (UCL) titled Separating electricity from gas prices through Green Power Pools: Design options and evolution.
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REA publishes Energy Transition Readiness Index Report 2022
On Wednesday 16 November, REA published its Energy Transition Readiness Index (ETRI) report 2022, assessing the readiness of 13 European countries for the energy transition.
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Views sought on additional information on CMP361 & CMP362
On Tuesday 15 November, Ofgem issued a consultation on an update to its minded-to decision to approve CUSC modifications CMP361 & CMP362 BSUoS Reform: Introduction of an Ex Ante Fixed BSUoS Tariff & Consequential Definition Updates, specifically Workgroup Alternative CUSC Modification (WACM) 5 of CMP361 and the original proposal for CMP362 for implementation on 1 April 2023.
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UKRI shows smart local energy system’s net zero benefits
On Thursday 10 November, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced that it has published two new insight reports in which the aspects of smart local energy systems are examined.
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Ofgem sets out approach to network charging reforms
On Tuesday 8 November, Ofgem published an open letter regarding its approach toward the electricity network charging reforms this winter.
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Ofgem’s minded-to position on addressing high balancing costs
On Friday 4 November, Ofgem issued a call for input regarding how high balancing costs should be addressed.
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ESC calls for whole systems approach to energy network reform
Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) has published a response to Ofgem’s request for feedback on whether there is a strong case for reform to the current approach to regulatory frameworks for gas and electricity networks
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Government recruits for Head of REMA programme delivery and implementation
On Tuesday 25 October, BEIS issued an advert to hire a Head of REMA programme delivery and implementation.
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Regen calls for analysis of generation and demand growth in REMA response
On 12 October, Regen published its response to BEIS’ Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) consultation, noting that market reform needs to be considered in conjunction with other key areas of reform. This includes measures such as the development of a clear Net Zero and Energy Security Delivery plan and bringing forward the investment that is needed in enabling infrastructure.
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Sustainability First responds to REMA consultation
On 3 October, Sustainability First published its response to BEIS’s Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) consultation.
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Elexon published its consultation response to REMA
On Monday 10 October, Elexon issued its response to the REMA consultation.