Rapid decarbonisation of the GB electricity system

Rapid electricity decarbonisation for a net zero future

This report sets out what a radical approach to electricity system decarbonisation would look like, in three parts:

• Part 1: Driving rapid system transformation – how to approach electricity system decarbonisation as a major infrastructure programme.
• Part 2: Building the system – the elements of the 2030 electricity system and how to deliver them on accelerated timescales.
• Part 3: Near-term progress needed primarily for post-2030 – what has to be done now to set a path for the much larger post-2030 electricity system serving mobility, space heating and much of industry.

Engineering solutions for rapid electricity decarbonisation

The NEPC was commissioned by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation to provide insight and potential solutions to the challenges of rapid electricity system decarbonisation. The project is targeted at policymakers and the wider energy industry and will focus on what a credible engineering-led delivery plan to rapidly accelerate electricity decarbonisation would require in practice.

What changes are needed for rapid electricity decarbonisation?

Rapid delivery of electricity decarbonisation will require a radical shift of approach with these essential components:

What are the key challenges in delivering a decarbonised electricity system?

Electricity decarbonisation will need to be tackled as a major infrastructure project. The report sets out in greater detail, the reforms and enablers which can support rapid progress, and gives specific advice on putting in place the major assets which will define the new system. Delivery is an engineering challenge. As a community, engineers are ready to advise and participate in the creation of the new electricity system that the UK needs.

Explore the full report

Acknowledgements

The report has been developed by the Royal Academy of Engineering and partners in the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC). The Royal Academy of Engineering expresses particular thanks to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

The project was delivered by a National Engineering Policy Centre Working Group made up of the following experts:

• Dr Simon Harrison FREng CEng FIET FEI (Chair), Group Head of Strategy, Mott MacDonald
• Sir Patrick Vallance KCB HonFREng FRS FMedSci (Co-chair to July 5, 2024), Chair of Trustees, Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation
• Jo Coleman OBE FIMechE, Independent Expert
• Ian Funnell FREng CEng FIET, Chair, National Nuclear Laboratory
• Dr Cathy McClay OBE FREng CEng FIET, Independent Expert
• Dame Dervilla Mitchell DBE FREng CEng MICE MIStructE, Director for Arup Group
• Dr Graham Oakes CEng CITP FBCS Independent Expert in Local, Community and Municipal Energy
• Professor Nilay Shah OBE FREng CEng FIChemE, Professor of Process Systems Engineering, Imperial College London
• David Waboso CBE FREng CEng FICE FIRSE, Independent Non-Executive Director, Sizewell C & Hinkley Point C
• Nick Winser CBE FREng CEng FEI FIET FIGEM, Independent Expert
• Dr David Wright FREng FIET MIGEM, Group Chief Engineer, National Grid