Comment on Regen power grid report
Jess Ralston is available for comment and interview.
By George Smeeton
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Commenting on a new report by Regen which finds that upgrading the UK’s electricity grid for the net zero transition is both feasible and will deliver substantial benefits [1], Jess Ralston, Head of Energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:
“Early investment into a modernised grid that makes the most of cheap British renewables could help accelerate the transition from expensive gas, which cost the UK an extra £50-60bn last year [2], and help lower household bills.
“With the North Sea set to continue declining, making sure that renewables can connect to the grid promptly will help to shield us from simply having to import more gas, where the money goes to foreign companies.
“Australia moved away from a similar grid connections system years ago - and now has one of the most advanced grids in the world - so there's no reason the UK can't follow suit." [3]
Notes to editors:
1. The Regen report, Building an Electricity Network for Net Zero, is published on 24 May.
2. ECIU: The Cost of Gas since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: https://eciu.net/analysis/reports/2023/the-cost-of-gas-since-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine
3. Australia gives priority connections to projects that have permitting and financing in place, with the system operator also highlighting areas in which it has spare grid capacity: https://www.ft.com/content/0be18774-0712-472f-98b1-e42d33b60561
For more information:
George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net