The latest figures come one year on from ENA’s Open Networks Programme creating three new works streams – Network Operation, Market Development and Planning & Network Development – as the programme pivoted to making local flexibility markets more accessible to all. The programme had completed a strategic refresh aimed at enabling closer working with industry, centred on both the co-development and co-delivery of projects. This approach has helped bring down barriers to market participation, leading to contracted flexibility almost doubling in one year.
The latest figures, compiled by ENA, also show that for a second year in a row approximately 75% of the contracted flexibility is made up of low-carbon technologies, such as stored energy, solar and biofuel.
Local flexibility services are an important component of the UK’s decarbonisation journey - by releasing power back to the grid at times of high demand, and storing it during times of lower demand, local flexibility services optimise the use of network capacity and accelerate the connection of more low-carbon technology like wind power.
Dr Avi Aithal, Head of Open Networks at ENA, said:
“This is a great achievement for the UK’s energy networks and it’s a clear testament to their commitment to deliver best value to consumers. Though today’s statistics once again make Great Britain the biggest flexibility market in the world, we are continuing to deliver at pace. The support from the industry, governmental departments and Ofgem have been invaluable to the programme and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them and the future Market Facilitator to help the UK meet our decarbonisation goals at the least cost to customers.”
Notes to editor
- The latest flex figures are available online
- The government’s and Ofgem’s Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan (2021), sets out that flexibility could save consumers £10bn per year in energy costs by 2050 and reduce the total cost of the net zero transition by up to £70bn.
- As part of the Flexibility Commitment, Britain’s distribution network operators, and Open Networks remain committed to six key steps as we transition to a more efficient, smarter and low-carbon energy system fit for Britain’s future. These are:
- Champion a level playing field
- Ensure visibility and accessibility
- Conduct procurement in an open and transparent manner
- Provide clarity on the dispatch of services
- Provide regular, consistent and transparent reporting
- Work together towards whole energy system outcomes
About us
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.
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