Ahead of Scottish election ENA sets out the networks’ priorities for supporting the new Scottish Government in combating the climate crisis
Energy Networks Association (ENA) has today announced their five priorities to deliver in conjunction with the successful Scottish Government following the election.
- Align the RIIO framework with Scotland’s energy plans.
- Refine the planning system to support the infrastructure of the future.
- Make Scotland an international centre for green gas.
- Drive the nation-wide roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Make sure Scottish homes are heated efficiently and without carbon.
The political consensus for action on climate change has been central to driving progressive policies in Scotland, making it a major exporter of renewable power. As the transition to Net Zero progresses government and industry must get the right technologies in the right place at the right time to continue to ramp-up renewables and decarbonise the ‘difficult to reach’ sectors like heat, transport, and industry.
The next ten years is a short period of time to deliver on the infrastructure and innovation needed to hit the 2030 targets. Strategic investment in the energy networks is foundational to all plans set out by Scottish political parties, and the regulatory environment needs to enable this.
ENA members have been working hard throughout the pandemic to keep Britain’s energy flowing and have continued their vital role in maintaining the critical national infrastructure that transmits and distributes electricity and gas. While the pandemic is ongoing, the networks have continued to innovate and work towards Net Zero. With lockdowns once again lifting, the focus of the energy networks is to support the green recovery ambitions of the incoming Scottish Government.
David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said:
“Past Scottish Governments have set a high bar for action on climate change and now all parties have made it clear that their priority for this Parliament is a green Covid recovery. It’s now imperative that we seize the opportunity of this consensus to align policy and regulation with ambition. We look forward to working with the new government to make that ambition a reality.”
The UK’s energy network operators have a strong track record of delivery and have demonstrated globally recognised leadership in green innovation and investment through Ofgem’s RIIO regulatory framework for many years. Innovation will be at the forefront of this investment round with technologies like battery storage, renewables, heat pumps and the electrification of transport through the installation of electric vehicle hubs and rapid charging at motorway service stations.
