Sonia Quiterio, Director of New Business, Conrad Energy.
Amidst the crackle of November fireworks, the National Energy System Operator published a significant report, offering advice to Government on what needs to be done to realise its 2030 clean power ambition. Though the target is achievable, the report notes it will nonetheless ‘push the limits’ of what is feasible, necessitating not only significant annual investment and planning system reforms, but – crucially – upgrades to the grid, too.
The last point is instructive and reflects the critical moment the UK has reached in its energy transition. Generating more electricity from renewable sources is one thing, but it is only part of the solution. Indeed, to fully realise the benefits of a net-zero energy system, we must modernise the electricity grid, accelerate storage deployment, and invest in new technologies that maintain system stability. This is how the UK can achieve the energy transition while ensuring security, affordability, and reliability.
The first priority is expanding and upgrading grid infrastructure. After all, the UK’s electricity network was designed for a centralised system where large fossil fuel power stations distributed energy across the country. Today, the picture is decidedly different, with the challenge now being to integrate thousands of renewable energy projects efficiently and ensure that electricity flows smoothly from where it is generated to where it is needed.
Meeting this fresh challenge may require faster access to grid connections, reducing the delays in new renewable, stability and storage projects coming online. At the same time, upgrading power lines to move clean energy across the country may be required to provide stronger transmission capacity along with the deployment of smart grid technology – using AI and real-time data to balance supply and demand efficiently, for instance – will help support the grid.
In short, by investing in a more flexible, responsive grid, the UK will be able to ensure that clean energy can be delivered at scale without bottlenecks or delays.
The second key focus is energy storage. Renewables generate electricity when the wind blows and the sun shines, but demand does not always align with supply. To square this particular circle, expanding battery storage capacity will be essential to ensure that clean energy is available when it is needed. Batteries store surplus electricity during periods of high generation and release it back into the grid when demand rises, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.
New market conditions and system needs must support faster deployment of battery projects, creating the right incentives for investment in both large-scale grid storage and smarter distributed systems that can provide flexibility at local levels. The UK has already made progress in this area, but to reach its clean power targets, battery deployment must scale up significantly in the coming years.
Another crucial part of the transition is maintaining grid stability. Historically, synchronous fossil fuel plants played a key role in keeping the electricity system stable by providing inertia: a force that helps prevent sudden frequency changes. As these plants close, new technologies must take their place to ensure the grid remains secure.
Happily, the UK is already leading the way in deploying clean stability solutions, including synchronous condensers OCGT & CCGT retrofit – 0MW solutions; grid-forming battery inverters; and real-time frequency response. Scaling up these technologies will ensure that the UK can transition to 100% clean power without compromising reliability and stability of the UK electricity system
Achieving the energy transition is not just about reducing emissions—it is also a huge economic opportunity. The UK has the chance to become a global leader in clean energy technology, grid innovation, and battery storage, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and attracting investment. By modernising infrastructure and accelerating the deployment of new technologies, the UK will build a secure, affordable, and resilient energy system fit for the future.
And this cuts to the heart of the issue: the UK is facing a renewable energy transition, not a renewable energy moment. To stay on track for clean power by 2030, the UK must look beyond renewable energy generation, modernising the electricity grid, accelerating storage deployment, and investing in new technologies. By acting decisively, the UK will not only meet its clean energy targets but could help set the standard for the world’s energy transition.
This article appeared in the April 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.