The Government has unveiled its plans for a blueprint for Great Britain’s energy infrastructure out to 2050.

The strategic spatial plan, which will be published in 2026, aims to provide stability for investors and accelerate the growth of the UK’s clean energy industries while creating more jobs.
The location for new energy infrastructure will be set out in the plan, as the UK transitions away from fossil fuels.
With the aim to deliver clean power by 2030, energy ministers in Scotland, Wales and the UK have asked the newly formed National Energy System Operator (NESO) to produce the strategic plan which will be the first of its kind.
In June, Balfour Beatty was selected to deliver the first phase of a major piece of a £690 million grid expansion, to supply some of the remotest parts of Scotland.
Meanwhile, RJ McLeod was named the main contractor on the construction of an 11-turbine wind farm in Scotland, back in July.
Planning of energy infrastructure is also expected to help cut grid connection waiting times, giving investors confidence on where to build and when.
NESO will look at how to best spread new energy projects across the country in a way that takes into account sectors including transport and water supply, as well as the environment.
It ultimately aims to speed up project delivery and reduce overall system costs, which could in turn bring down bills for consumers.
The first iteration of the plan will focus on electricity generation and storage, including hydrogen assets, from offshore wind farms to pumped storage hydro.
This follows the government’s announcement earlier this month to pledge £21.7 billion in funding for carbon capture, over 25 years.
Carbon capture programs capture and store carbon emissions from industrial processes and power stations, to prevent CO2 being released into the atmosphere.
Minister for energy Michael Shanks, said: “To help drive growth and investment in our clean energy future, we need to provide investors with the long-term certainty and stability that they have been crying out for.
“That’s why we need a more strategic approach to our energy system, ensuring we can quickly scale up investment in the right infrastructure where we need it, to keep costs down and speed up our transition to clean power.
“Delivering the country’s first ever spatial plan will be a major milestone for our new public energy body.”
Acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy, Gillian Martin MSP, said: “I am committed to working collaboratively with other governments where it can accelerate progress towards Scotland’s economic and net zero targets.
“Key to the plan’s success will be ensuring that investor confidence is maintained throughout.
“It is also vital that it takes into account the nature of devolved policies and ambitions, delivers real benefits for the people and communities of Scotland and supports our ongoing efforts for a just transition.”
Alistair Phillips-Davies, chief executive of SSE, 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.”
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