Commenting on the new report on Upgrading the electricity transmission network published today by the National Audit Office, Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“Essential upgrades to the GB electricity grid are urgently needed to address historic underinvestment and catch up with the growth in renewable energy generation and tackle the rising constraints and costs borne by consumers. However, today’s report from the National Audit Office concludes many of the required upgrades are at risk of not being completed on time.
“In 2024, the National Engineering Policy Centre called for a paradigm shift to a more proactive, adaptive, and expertise-enabled approach to accomplish the significant mission of delivering reliable, affordable Clean Power. Such a national imperative requires a Chief Engineer or equivalent, backed by Prime Ministerial authority, to provide clear central leadership and deliver tangible outcomes for the mission.
“The NAO report emphasises that fundamental change is still needed to deliver the required portfolio of grid upgrades. This means strong oversight of delivery and transparent monitoring of progress. While accountability for individual projects rests with transmission owners, there must also be greater central oversight from government and accountability for delivering the portfolio of projects, to prioritise the resources and skills necessary to make progress.
“Swift action is needed to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean power.”
Notes for editors
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