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National Grid calls for UK renewable energy ‘masterplan’

The National Grid, an electricity and gas company serving the UK and northeast US, is calling on the UK Government to develop a ‘masterplan’ for energy in the UK.

The masterplan needs to bring together the industry and consumers on a path that will enable the country to achieve its targeted emissions reductions by 2020 and beyond.

“We need a masterplan, with Government, industry and consumer collaboration, to determine the route-map for meeting Government targets of 80% emissions reduction by 2050, and 15% renewable energy sources by 2020,” says chief executive Steve Holliday.

A joined-up approach is needed to make sure that the legislative and regulatory frameworks are in place to ensure that there is timely investment in the connection of new renewable power sources.

But decarbonising the electricity supply will not be enough, he adds. The masterplan also needs to address smart grids and metering, biogas production, heat and transport. The Government also needs to encourage consumers to actively conserve energy.

National Grid has developed various scenarios of the potential energy mix that could meet the Government’s 2020 carbon emission and renewable energy targets and is already investing £3 billion a year in its electricity and gas networks.

The company itself is also implementing a system of internal carbon budgets on which management performance will be judged, along with customer service, reliability, safety and financial performance. It is also aiming to bring down its greenhouse gas emission by 45% on 1990 levels by 2020.

“Our new interim emissions reduction target of 45% by 2020 will provide a more relevant milestone for our business planning process and ensure emissions management is integrated into every aspect of our operational decision-making,” says Joe Kwasnik.

For further information:
www.nationalgrid.com/

25 March 2009

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