ESNZ Committee – National policy statements – consultation response

The IET has submitted a response to the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s consultation titled ‘National planning for energy infrastructure’.

This consultation sought to review the Government’s proposed updates to the National Policy Statements (EN-1, EN-3 & EN-5) that look to remove planning ‘blocks’ to the infrastructure development needed for its energy, industrial and growth strategies.

The IET identified the technical and systems-level challenges involved in delivering a decarbonised electricity system by 2030. The UK electricity system is undergoing rapid transformation to accommodate higher demand and significantly greater levels of renewable generation.

There may be an increase in the risk of system failures occurring as the electricity system rapidly transforms. These developments will place unprecedented demands on the resilience, flexibility, and coordination of the electricity system.

These challenges are compounded by the broader context of geopolitical instability, economic volatility, and increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions—all of which further underscore the need for resilient and adaptive energy systems.

The IET offered our expertise, advice and support to help inform the Government when working towards delivering on their objectives.