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Clean Power 2030

HM Government has an ambition for Great Britain to be supplied with clean power by 2030. National Energy System Operator (NESO) was formally commissioned by the Secretary of State and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to provide independent advice on the pathway towards the 2030 ambition. We developed a range of pathways, with expert analysis of the location and type of new investment and infrastructure needed to deliver it. Clean power by 2030 is a huge challenge that will only be met by doing things differently, by prioritising pace over perfection, and by working together across the industry towards a shared vision. Our engagement went beyond the energy sector, ensuring we took a whole system view.

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Advice on achieving clean power by 2030

This report presents our analysis on the foundations for clean power, the core elements of a clean power system, our pathways, critical enablers and the benefits and costs. The report sets out both the challenging hurdles that need to be overcome and the benefits to consumers, the economy and society, including Britain’s energy security that doing so could deliver. 

Supporting documents

Annex 1: Electricity demand and supply analysis

This technical report details our demand, supply, and system flexibility analysis, covering methodology, current status, requirements for clean power, analysis basis, stakeholder feedback, and enablers.

Annex 2: Networks, connections and network access analysis

This technical report details our networks and connections analysis, covering methodology, current status, requirements for clean power, analysis basis, stakeholder feedback, and enablers.

Annex 3: Operability and operations analysis

This technical report provides additional detail behind our operability and operations analysis, setting out methodology, where we are now, what is needed for clean power, the basis of our analysis, stakeholder feedback and enablers.

Annex 4: Costs and benefit analysis

This technical report details the analysis and methodology behind our findings on the costs and benefits of a clean power system for 2030, covering approach and assumptions, climate, carbon, environment, and cost analysis

Covering letter from Fintan Slye

Read the accompanying letter to our advice, sent from NESO CEO Fintan Slye to the Head of Mission Control and the Secretary of State at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

Clean Power 2030 Data workbook

The charts and supporting data published in our Clean Power 2030 report from our modelling.

Document library

Get in touch

If you would like to get in touch, please email us.

Further publications

Future Energy Scenarios

Future Energy Scenarios (FES): NESO Pathways to Net Zero represent different, credible ways to decarbonise our energy system as we strive towards the 2050 target.

Beyond 2030

The Beyond 2030 report builds on top of the Holistic Network Design and makes a set of network recommendations throughout the 2030s. 

View our other publications

Find a wide range of publications that provide energy insight and analysis right here, as well as information about how we're shaping the future of energy in the UK.