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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:


Building strong support for the vision

Government must clearly set out the objectives and benefits of electricity decarbonisation that matter to both the public and industry.

Strong central leadership and governance with engineering at the forefront

Transforming the power system is a major infrastructure program. It requires strong single-point leadership, accountable to the Prime Minister, to respond to this complex system challenge.


A more flexible, digitally enabled system

The new system must be digital-first in a cyber-secure way. It needs to support and manage a complex renewable-based system in a cost-efficient way.

A front-foot approach to procurement and regulation

UK must recognise evolving risks to meet its needs at an affordable price amid global competition. It must adopt a more proactive approach to procurement, while regulators will need to shift posture to act as enablers of the transition.

Grasping the nettles: planning & consenting and connection delays

Building new grid infrastructure takes far too long, and there is much to be done to implement the Electricity Networks Commissioner’s Report of 2023. There are difficult choices to be made and government will need to build and maintain public support.

Retain a long-term view

The 2030 pledge is an important stimulus for speed and a major milestone on the road to 2050. The intense focus on delivery towards 2030 must not delay the short-term actions needed to unlock the best options for the subsequent period, or do things which compromise that longer-term objective.

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

Contact us

For more information about this subject, please contact Net zero team.

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