Group of men playing football on the beach

Strategic Planning

Our energy system is already changing to meet increasing demand, the need for greater security and government’s carbon budgets. But current infrastructure planning can happen in a way that is uncoordinated – whether that is because of misalignment nationally and locally, or because energy organisations each have different strategies.  

This risks us not getting the most out of the assets we invest in, or investments being delayed due to a lack of clarity about where they fit into the system.

We will take a strategic long-term approach to planning, identifying whole energy system needs and ensuring that the system can be designed and built accordingly. We will help guide the shape of the future energy system, taking into account what society and communities value, safeguarding the environment whilst ensuring system resilience, and ensuring consumer benefits are realised.

Group of workers working together in team

Key information

  • Bringing together information, data and different perspectives from across the entire energy system, both nationally and across the regions.
  • Working with the government and Ofgem to deliver a coordinated strategy and plan, ensuring greater certainty at all levels and in all networks.
  • Creating a regional presence and plan to understand and support the needs of different locations throughout Great Britain.
  • Shaping the future energy system to meet policy ambitions for 2030, 2035 and 2050, guided by what society and communities value, safeguarding of the environment, and delivery of consumer benefits.

Projects and publications

Beyond 2030

Children riding bikes through field with backdrop of wind turbines

The Beyond 2030 report builds on top of the Holistic Network Design and makes a set of network recommendations throughout the 2030s. 

Offshore Coordination Project

Wind turbines in sunset field

Offshore wind has been identified as a critical technology in achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In order to help realise this target, a step-change in both the speed and scale of deployment of offshore wind is required.

Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS)

Contrast of motorway in the middle of image and green fields both sides

The Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS) is the ESO’s view of future transmission requirements and the capability of Great Britain’s National Electricity Transmission System (NETS) over the next ten years.

Network Options Assessment (NOA)

landscape image of tree and field-GettyImages-1346907547

The NOA is our recommendation for which reinforcement projects should receive investment during the coming year.

Centralised Strategic Network Plan

group of older ladies looking happy having a conversation

The CSNP will take a broad, whole energy system view to transforming the pace and scale of our planning for the next 25 years.

Strategic Spatial Energy Planning (SSEP)

Man walking on country path through field

The SSEP will assess the best location for electricity generation and the storage and transportation of electricity and hydrogen, speeding up and supporting the country’s move to clean, affordable and secure energy. 

Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs)

team members walking having a conversation looking happy

RESP integrates national and local energy plans by creating a credible whole energy regional plan enabling society to invest, innovate and decarbonise.

Zero Carbon Operation

Wind turbines on hills

Zero Carbon Operation (ZCO) supports NESO in planning and operating a future energy system by ensuring the electricity system stays operable as it decarbonises.