Ofgem has confirmed Regional Energy Strategic Plans will be developed by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) for Scotland, Wales and nine regions in England.
These plans will seek to map out what must be done in each area to protect security of supply, meeting rising electricity demand and deliver a cost-effective route to net zero. This means coordinating a rapid expansion of local energy, helping to scale up clean power generation, as well as exploring the building infrastructure that is required for decarbonising heating and transport, industrial clusters and hydrogen plants.
It marks the first time that national and regional planning will be fully integrated, meaning city by city, town by town and neighbourhood by neighbourhood, ensuring the right networks and generation are put in the right place, avoiding duplication and delivering best value for customers.
Akshay Kaul, Director General of Infrastructure at Ofgem, said: “Coordinating in this way will end the disconnect across regional economies that has held back ambitions; target and unlock investment; fast-track building; create jobs and drive new low-carbon technology.”
