The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has initiated a crucial public consultation for its Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP), a comprehensive framework designed to redevelop the United Kingdom's energy transmission network. This ambitious plan, extending 25 years beyond 2030, aims to holistically integrate electricity, gas, and hydrogen transmission network planning, marking a significant step towards a unified and future-proof energy infrastructure.

Commissioned by energy ministers from the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments in October 2024, the CSNP is set to provide a dynamic roadmap, subject to review and adjustment every three years. It will interact with broader public policies and frameworks, including the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSNP) and Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs), to deliver systemic reform across the UK electricity grid. The core objectives of the CSNP encompass ensuring efficient network development by integrating onshore and offshore gas and hydrogen networks, planning strategically ahead of demand to attract investment in clean energy, accelerating project delivery through strategic data provision, and conducting robust, transparent assessments of diverse network options.

The plan’s analytical scope includes assessing future network requirements, specifically focusing on the necessary upgrades to connect an increasing number of solar energy installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to the national grid. This analysis will also delve into how variables such as weather patterns, supply-demand dynamics, and market conditions will influence network needs throughout the year, alongside the imperative to provide additional services for maintaining grid stability. Options for expanding network capability will be explored, evaluating whether managing energy flows through existing resources, upgrading current components, or developing entirely new infrastructure is most appropriate for specific locations.

The consultation period for these foundational plans is open until August 1, 2025. Following this, detailed data on system requirements is anticipated by June 30, 2026, with a draft CSNP slated for publication on June 1, 2027. A subsequent consultation on this draft will occur in the second quarter of 2027, culminating in the release of the first full CSNP by December 31, 2027.

Julian Leslie, director of strategic energy planning at NESO, underscored the importance of broad participation in the consultation process. He emphasized that adopting a “coordinated approach to infrastructure planning is vital – not only to help drive investment decisions, but also to ensure everyone has access to reliable, clean and affordable energy,” highlighting the plan’s critical role in the UK’s energy transition.