Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps welcomes the report from UK Electricity Networks Commissioner Nick Winser and will evaluate the recommendations before presenting an action plan.

The Electricity Networks Commissioner Nick Winser’s report outlines plans to strengthen the nation’s energy security and ensure that the UK maximises its position as a global leader in renewable energy.

Since 2010, the UK has significantly increased its investment in renewable energy production by 500%.

Nick Winser was tasked with conducting a review to ensure that the nation maximises the benefits of renewable energy, remains equipped to exploit its opportunities, and receives an increased supply of pure electricity for homes and businesses.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps welcomes the report and will consider the recommendations before presenting an action plan to strengthen the UK’s energy security, reduce household bills, and develop the economy later this year.

Putin’s illegitimate invasion of Ukraine has wreaked havoc on global energy markets and accelerated the need for more domestic energy sources.

The report released today suggests that new power lines can be constructed in half the time and confirms that, despite being difficult, accelerating the delivery of strategic electricity transmission lines is “vital and achievable.” To expedite the delivery of energy security and net zero, recommendations have been made to reduce the current timeline for delivering onshore transmission network infrastructure to 7 years. Later this year, the government will respond to these proposals.

Grant Shapps stated: “The UK leads the world in renewable energy and decarbonises quicker than any other G7 nation. We must ensure we take full advantage of our success and deliver an increased supply of homegrown, clean energy to people’s homes and enterprises for many years.” “This is why we asked Nick Winser to conduct this review; I appreciate his report and efforts. This is an essential step as we continue to reform our energy system to reduce costs, expand the economy, and ensure that tyrants like Putin will never again be able to use energy as a weapon of war.”

Andrew Bowie, Minister for Networks and Nuclear, stated: “With approximately 40% of our total electricity supply coming from renewable sources, the UK has a world-class renewable industry. We are committed to matching this with a world-class system for transporting this expanding supply to where it is required.” “We will carefully consider Nick Winser’s recommendations as we work to achieve an energy system dominated by renewable, nuclear, and other pure, indigenous technologies.”

National Grid‘s President, UK Strategic Infrastructure, Carl Trowell, stated: “This report from the Electricity Networks Commissioner is reasonable and welcome in the wake of the recent launch of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity transmission grid in generations, with substantial new infrastructure planned for England and Wales.” “Implementing the proposals and advancing the energy transition swiftly is the surest path to more affordable bills, greater energy resilience, and greater energy independence in the UK.”

Rebecca Barnett, Director of Networks at Ofgem, stated: “To terminate our reliance on fossil fuels for energy by 2035, we need bold reforms to expedite the delivery of the necessary electricity transmission infrastructure.” “Nick Winser outlines an ambitious, highly detailed plan to eliminate obstacles to planning and delivering transmission networks and connecting renewable generation to the grid.” “This builds on Ofgem’s efforts to establish strategic national and regional planning, unleash and accelerate infrastructure investment, and eliminate delays in grid connections for residences, businesses, and public services.”

This report comes as the government publishes new proposals to grant the Secretary of State for Energy Security the authority to direct the Future System Operator, the new public body tasked with planning a decarbonised energy system, to address threats to national security.

If a company contracting with the FSO is found to threaten the resilience, safety, or security of the UK’s energy system, such as through cyber-attacks and supply chain vulnerabilities, the new powers could be implemented. These actions could include removing or preventing certain suppliers’ involvement or equipment in our energy supply chain, such as by directing FSO not to contract third-party suppliers to ensure system security.

In addition to the 2021 National Security and Investment Act, which gives the government the authority to address investment and ownership risks to national security, the new powers would be used as a last resort. The FSO will use its expertise to plan for certain events, such as extreme weather or inundation, that could compromise the nation’s energy resilience. The FSO will advise the government on making the UK’s energy system resilient and feasible against such shocks.

In the next few months, the energy regulator Ofgem will consult on new FSO licence conditions, with the ultimate goal of incorporating them into the FSO’s new licence conditions under the Energy Bill Support Scheme.