Autumn Statement: Let’s keep up the momentum

SSE_Transmission_Beauly_Denny_Power_Lines_450.jpg

A blog by SSEN Transmission’s Managing Director, Rob McDonald

It was great to see such a strong focus on energy as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP, delivered his Autumn Statement last week.

And his statement was quickly followed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishing its:

  • Response to the consultation on Community Benefits for Electricity Transmission Network Infrastructure;
  • Response to the Electricity Commissioner’s report on accelerating electricity transmission network build; and
  • Connections actions plan (in collaboration with Ofgem).

In August, I wrote about the need for Government to act, following the publication of Nick Winser – the Government’s independent Electricity Network Commissioner’s – series of recommendations on how to accelerate the deployment of electricity transmission infrastructure in Great Britain.

And after last week, it’s clear that there is a strong appetite from Government to work towards the accelerated delivery of a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy system in the UK – and importantly making sure that those most impacted are recognised for the crucial role that they’ll play.

The north of Scotland and its people are going to play an outsized role in supporting the delivery of both the UK and Scotland’s energy security and net zero targets, so it was positive to see this reflected in the ambition of the Government’s community benefit offering. For the north of Scotland, based on the draft guidance published, this will see around £100m of wider community benefit provided, enabling transformational benefits and lasting legacies to be delivered for local communities across the region. We’re looking forward to seeing the government’s final guidance on community benefit and I’d urge them to progress the development and implementation of this policy as a matter of urgency.

Achieving a decarbonised power system by 2035 requires our electricity grid to be transformed at a scale not seen since the passing of the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Act, 80 years ago. Now is the time for bold ambition and swift action, and we welcome the government’s acknowledgement that the only way to accelerate the deployment of critical transmission infrastructure is to deliver a cross cutting package of measures. Acting on the recommendations made by the Electricity Networks Commissioner will enable the connection of more low-carbon, renewable energy generation, and alongside the joint Connections Action Plan, puts us on the right track for delivering the collective government targets.

Within the government’s response, it is also positive to see commitment to reviewing the consenting process in Scotland, before the end of next year, as well as delivering a government-backed national campaign to communicate the need for this critical network infrastructure, and the wider benefits it will unlock.

And it is also welcome to see the government recognise the need for a more strategic and streamlined approach to network planning and regulatory approval. Moving towards a spatially planned energy system, and a centralised strategic network plan, will provide the long-term certainty and clarity required to deliver this significant network scale-up, as well as driving investment across the UK’s supply chain, unlocking new jobs and economic growth.

Momentum is key, though, and whilst the strong focus on energy at last week’s Autumn Statement was great to see, we need to keep our foot on the accelerator to make sure that the proposed reforms are implemented quickly to deliver on the UK’s energy security and net zero targets.