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Strategic Network Design

How are transmission strategic projects identified?  

Our energy system is changing to meet increasing demand, the need for greater security and to achieve government targets. National Electricity System Operator (NESO), formerly the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), work with industry stakeholders to optimise the planning and development of the UK’s electricity transmission network to ensure the network can meet future energy demands efficiently. The creation of plans involves extensive consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the process is robust and inclusive. 

The NESO plans guide and shape the future energy system, factoring in what society and communities value, safeguarding the environment whilst ensuring system resilience and ensuring consumer benefits are realised. 

How are transmission strategic projects developed? Watch the video below to find out more. 

 

Find out about our projects:

Holistic Network Design (HND) 

Holistic Network Design (HND) 

The HND is a strategic framework developed by the ESO (now NESO). The plan identified significant onshore and offshore network requirements that are critical to achieving the UK Government’s target for 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.  

Also, within the HND there were several supporting projects identified as required, which are key works on our existing network in the move to achieving our Net Zero goals. 

Some of the SP Transmission supporting projects include: 

  • Overhead line (OHL) conductor replacement on existing Strathaven – Smeaton line  

Useful HND links for additional information: 

Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) 

Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) 

The ASTI framework was introduced by Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, to speed up the development of critical electricity transmission projects identified in the initial HND plan. The focus is on three key outcomes: 

  • Accelerating the delivery of large-scale transmission projects. 

  • Reinforcing the onshore electricity transmission network to handle increased renewable energy generation. 

  • Ensuring efficient and effective project delivery whilst protecting consumers from additional risks. 

The ASTI framework identified four SP Transmission major projects that meet the criteria set out above. These consist of:  

Additionally, we have the southern end works for one of SSEN-T’s ASTI projects, Beauly to Denny North 400kV Uprating, which we have included within our RIIO-T3 plans:  

For more information on the range of ASTI projects:  

Transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan 2 (tCSNP2)  

Transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan 2 (tCSNP2)  

The tCSNP2 was the NESO follow up to the HND plan and identified further projects in the SPT area, although there was some overlap. The tCSNP2 has been part of the transition towards a more centralised and strategic approach to network planning.  

SP Transmission projects identified by the tCSNP2 are: 

  • New 400kV circuit between Ayrshire and Carlisle (WCN2) 

  • New 400kV circuit between Harburn and Gala North (HGNC) 

  • New 400kV circuit between New Deer and Harburn and a new substation at Harburn (NHNC) 

  • Extension of  2GW AC5 and AC6 HVDC subsea link (Phase 1 (Provisional ASTI project)) from South West Scotland to North West Wales to 4GW (WCD4) (Phase 2 (tCSNP2 project)) 

  • 400kV reinforcement between Clydes Mill to Strathaven (CVUP) 

  • 400kV reinforcement between Kincardine North and Currie (LCU2) 

  • Replace existing OHL conductor with modern high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductor between the Elvanfoot - Harker section of the strategic north-south Strathaven - Harker (ZV route) corridor (EHRE) 

  • Replace existing OHL conductor with modern HTLS conductor between the Strathaven - Elvanfoot section of the Strathaven - Harker (ZV route) corridor (VERE).  

We are currently supporting the NESO and Ofgem in developing the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP), which will be the enduring process for transmission network planning. The CSNP will include plans for: 

  • Onshore and offshore transmission networks 

  • Cross-border energy supply, throughout Great Britain and beyond 

  • Whole System approach considering all energy types 

  • The investment required to meet the 2045 and 2050 Net Zero targets 

For updates on the progress of Network Planning: Network Planning Review (NPR) | National Energy System Operator 

 

Strategic project map from our next Transmission Business Plan (RIIO-T3) :

Strategic Projects Transmission Map

What happens next:  

Clean Power 2030 (CP2030): CP2030 is an ambitious action plan by the UK government aimed at transitioning to a clean electricity system by the year 2030. The primary goal of CP2030 is to reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of clean, homegrown energy sources. The strategy includes significant reforms to the energy system and focus on renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen. Read more about Clean Power 2030.

Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP): The NESO is working on the SSEP, an initiative aimed at accelerating and optimising the transition to clean, affordable and secure energy across Great Britain. The plan builds on the CP2030 by taking a holistic view of the energy system, bringing together economic, environmental and technical considerations to support the clean energy future. It will consider public opinion, environmental considerations and demands on land and sea.  

Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP): The CSNP works in conjunction with other strategic plans, such as the SSEP, to give a whole view of the energy system. This NESO plan will set out a framework to support the country in achieving its decarbonisation and net zero targets. The focus will be on identifying and assessing transmission investment options to meet future energy demands.  

 

To learn more:  

Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity – main report - GOV.UK 

Clean Power 2030 | National Energy System Operator 

Strategic Planning | National Energy System Operator 

 

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