Scaling a flexible, consumer-focused grid

Delivering Clean Power 2030 (CP2030) requires full electricity system mobilisation. The ‘big stuff’ is going well: expanding renewable energy generation, investing in energy storage, decarbonising power generation and modernising grid infrastructure. But gaps in action remain.

Our CP2030 working group, co-hosted by Laura Sandys CBE, Chair of The Green Alliance, focuses on one of these gaps – scaling reliable and affordable grid flexibility.

Flexibility is essential to facilitating seamless incorporation of variable renewable energy sources; maintaining reliable, stable electricity supply; and enabling consumers to benefit from smart, new technologies. However, cross-sector challenges remain:

• Grid constraints and capacity limitations can lead to delays in deploying new technologies and increased curtailment of renewable energy sources.
• Regulatory and investment challenges result in networks being unprepared for rapid changes in demand and generation patterns, deterring long-term engagement.
• Technological hurdles such as delays caused by regional disparities in communication technologies and limited transparency of distribution network data.
• Resistance from consumers driven by a lack of information, financial incentives and concerns over data privacy.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated industry leadership. This working group seeks to accelerate the collaboration needed to achieve this.