Wednesday 31 July 2024
Ofgem has stressed the importance of local planning in supporting GB Energy’s mission to develop cleaner, cheaper power.
According to Eleanor Warburton, Ofgem’s Director, Energy Systems Management and Security sometimes the best solution aligns with the right timing and this is the goal with the new Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs).
Yesterday, Ofgem published details about the RESP, including what it will include, how it will be governed and how many regions will be covered across Britain.
The RESP aims to provide a coordinated approach to developing local energy systems, including electricity, gas, heat and hydrogen.
The plan will help ensure that investments are made efficiently and in line with local needs, supporting the drive towards net zero by 2030.
The RESP will be part of a three-part planning process that also includes a national Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) and a Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP).
All three plans must work together to ensure investments are timely and effective.
The new publication outlines the function, governance and regional boundaries for the RESP.
It will work with local authorities, energy networks, and other stakeholders to plan and implement the energy infrastructure needed to reach net zero.
Ofgem proposes establishing eleven RESPs across Great Britain – this includes one region each for Wales and Scotland and nine regions for England.
The consultation on the RESP framework will be open until 8th October 2024.
Feedback from stakeholders will be used to refine the plans, with a final decision expected in Winter 2024.