Today saw the launch of the National Infrastructure Commission's Second National Infrastructure Assessment, which aims to set out a programme of transformation for the country's energy, transport and other key networks over the next 30 years.
Lawrence Slade, CEO, ENA, which represents the UK's energy networks, said:
“We have been clear that a balanced approach needs to be taken to decarbonising heat and in addressing the decarbonisation of those businesses, and the jobs they provide, that are currently reliant on natural gas. Moving forward, the UK must continue working from the basis that no one solution is suitable for all circumstances. It’s clear network operators will need to employ multiple solutions to decarbonise heat, from electrification to hydrogen and other forms of heat provision, offer consumers real choice in how they heat their homes and ensure the UK can sustainably heat residences and run businesses over the coming years.
“We shouldn’t ignore that while electrification will have a huge part to play in this, current scenarios envisage a role for gas and any plan will need to address how we can sustainably and economically replace the amount of energy for heat the UK requires.
“It is also right that today’s report looks at the costs of decommissioning and provides insights that the energy sector requires to make decisions that will affect millions of consumers. Gas Networks are already doing huge amounts to repurpose networks and deliver for customers, though investors still need long term certainty to provide future stability and energy security for customers.”
Press contacts for journalists
Philip Baker
Media Relations Manager
ENA Press Office
Notes to editor
- Energy networks are set to spend and invest around £60bn between 2021 and 2028 to meet the challenge of delivering energy to communities safely, sustainably and reliably. We need greater certainty in long term decision-making and planning, to ensure the right infrastructure, can be delivered in the right place, at the right time.
- The full Assessment can be found online
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.