The UK's ambitious transition to clean power is set to come at a steep price, with the estimated cost of rewiring Great Britain's electricity networks soaring by 50% to £90bn by the 2030s. This revised forecast, published by the National Energy System Operator (Neso), underlines the scale of investment required to meet government targets for onshore wind, solar power, and offshore wind capacity – a quadrupling, tripling, and doubling respectively.
The increased cost reflects not only the government's accelerated clean energy agenda but also rising demand for electricity from datacentres and other sources. Neso has identified 43 network projects, including 16 new additions to its original 2024 forecast, that will be crucial in delivering a reliable and efficient supply of power by the end of the decade.
These projects encompass ambitious plans to connect windfarms in the Celtic Sea at three key locations across south Wales and south-west England – a significant step towards achieving the government's vision for an energy superpower. Labour's energy minister, Michael Shanks, has highlighted the strategic importance of this work: 'We are taking a long-term approach to building an energy system fit for the future – one that prioritises energy independence, keeps bills in check and drives economic growth across Britain.'