CCC Report: Delivering a reliable decarbonised power system

Outline

This report illustrates what a reliable, resilient, decarbonised electricity supply system could look like in 2035, and the steps required to achieve it. It provides new insights and new advice on how such a system can be achieved by 2035, using real weather data and hourly analysis of Great Britain’s power system (Northern Ireland is part of the all-Ireland system). It also looks at the implications for hydrogen.

Key messages

• A reliable, resilient, decarbonised electricity system can be delivered by 2035. This is needed to deliver emissions reductions in line with the path to Net Zero, while ensuring a reliable and resilient electricity supply and substantially reducing the UK’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• The Government must give equal focus to low-carbon flexible solutions as to the full delivery of its existing renewables and nuclear commitments.
• Decarbonising and expanding the electricity system will rapidly reduce the UK’s dependence on imported oil and gas, reducing in turn our exposure to volatile international prices.
• Transforming the electricity system provides opportunities for growth. Currently, over 31,000 people across the UK are employed in offshore wind alone – this is set to rise to 97,000 by 2030, driven by £155 billion in private investment, with further investment and employment in solar and onshore wind.

Supporting information, charts and data

Delivering a reliable decarbonised power system – Charts and data  (XLSX • 1MB)

Supporting research

Net Zero Power and Hydrogen: Capacity Requirements for Flexibility (AFRY)