Welcoming the move, Dr Simon Harrison FREng, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Group Head of Strategy at Mott MacDonald, says:
“To ensure a sustainable economy, we need a rapid transition to a decarbonised energy system. Today's formation of the National Energy System Operator (NESO) is a welcome and significant step towards a systems approach to the challenge. As well as taking over National Grid’s former role in operating the electricity and gas transmission systems, NESO is developing new capabilities to help ensure the whole electricity system’s integrated planning and development, something the engineering profession has been arguing for over many years.
“As a technically knowledgeable voice that is close to government, NESO has a crucial role to play in enabling the energy transition by developing a detailed, credible plan to decarbonise electricity supply by 2030 and helping us electrify our wider economy, particularly transport and heating.
“The National Engineering Policy Centre, led by the Academy, recently produced its view of what will be needed to accelerate decarbonisation of the GB electricity system and we look forward to working closely with NESO to enact this vital change.”
Notes for editors
- The National Engineering Policy Centre brings engineering thinking to the heart of policymaking, creating positive impacts for society. We are a partnership of 42 professional engineering organisations that cover the breadth and depth of our profession, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Together we provide insights, advice, and practical policy recommendations on complex national and global challenges.