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Today, we proudly announce the launch of a new public institution in Great Britain – the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
NESO is built on the strong foundations of the Electricity System Operator, formerly part of the National Grid group. It now stands as an independent, public corporation entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring reliable, clean and affordable energy for all Great Britain.
Our responsibilities represent a departure from the traditional approach to energy system planning. We will break down silos and consider all energy vectors to design the networks and markets that Great Britain needs.
In this sense, NESO will be responsible for overseeing Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks, planning infrastructure, and exploring emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage. By aligning our efforts with our neighbors, we will deliver efficient, secure and clean energy for all.
Having served as the CEO of EirGrid, the Irish Transmission System Operator, I understand that the energy transition cannot happen in isolation. Collaboration with our European partners is essential as we plan and develop new energy infrastructure.
We are committed to working closely with neighboring countries across the Irish, Celtic and North seas, accelerating toward climate targets and minimizing costs for consumers. This spirit of cooperation is vital for both the EU and the UK to navigate the energy transition successfully.
In this spirit, I wholeheartedly welcome the UK’s engagement with the North Sea Energy Cooperation (NSEC) forum. NESO eagerly anticipates supporting the UK’s government at the upcoming NSEC forum in Copenhagen as we explore how the North Sea, Europe’s greatest energy resource, can be best used for everyone’s benefit.
As the first CEO of this groundbreaking organization, I believe that NESO’s creation is a pivotal move at a critical time. While the progress made so far to decarbonize the British electricity grid is commendable, it alone cannot fulfil Great Britain’s ambition for a clean power system by 2030 and a net-zero economy by 2050.
Since the world’s first coal-fired power station was turned on in London in 1882, Great Britain has relied on coal to generate electricity. Yesterday, in a small village nestled in the heart of England, that 142-year chapter came to a close as Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Great Britain’s last coal-fired power station, was powered down for good.
Even just a decade ago, coal accounted for over 30% of Great Britain’s electricity generation. Today, renewable sources like wind and solar power have taken its place. Great Britain has emerged as a global leader in decarbonization, steadfast in its commitment to a sustainable future and the journey toward net-zero emissions. As a newly formed independent organization, we now look forward to working with our European partners to ensure we can decarbonize our collective economies and meet our ambitious climate targets.
Beyond our commitment to climate goals, NESO plays a crucial role in ensuring energy security. By collaborating with European partners, we can build a secure and resilient European energy system that leverages the vast natural resources across the continent.
In recent years, operational collaboration between electricity and gas system operators across Europe has proven instrumental in managing energy crises and ensuring reliable supplies for all citizens. From long-term planning to minute-by-minute operational dialogue.
From long-term planning to minute-by-minute operational dialogue, we worked hand in hand with fellow transmission system operators, ensuring interconnectors enhanced our collective energy security and kept Europe’s lights on.
This energy cooperation between Great Britain and Europe is not a recent development. It dates back to 1961 when the first sub-sea electric interconnector connected Great Britain and France. Today, there are nine electric and three gas interconnectors linking Great Britain with its neighbors, and NESO remains committed to working closely with our neighbors as we design and plan the future energy infrastructure.
NESO’s creation marks a significant milestone in Great Britain’s energy landscape. With its holistic approach, collaborative mindset and unwavering commitment to energy security, NESO is poised to take the lead in Great Britain’s energy transition and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
As Great Britain continues its journey toward clean power by 2030 and a net-zero economy by 2050, NESO reaffirms its commitment to open, collaborative and constructive engagement with our European and international colleagues and partners. In her Political Guidelines, the European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, acknowledged the importance of EU-UK cooperation ‘on issues of shared interest’, including energy. Our secretary of state for energy security, Ed Miliband, and net zero has also held constructive discussions with the executive vice president of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič, regarding our energy relations, and we look forward to continuing constructive dialogues with European partners to meet our shared vision of a sustainable and just economy.
Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the annals of the UK and Europe’s decarbonization journey. Together, we can achieve remarkable things for a sustainable future.
