Decarbonising the UK’s energy system by 2050 could feature numerous credible pathways, as outlined in a report by the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
NESO’s Future Energy Scenarios (FES): pathways to net zero 2025 report explores the routes to reach net zero in 2050 for energy demand and supply.
NESO expects to see electricity demand increase from 290 Terawatt-hour (TWh) today to as much as 785TWh by 2050.
Meeting this demand with clean, renewable electricity will be a challenge. The report outlines three potential pathways to reach a net zero energy system. Each has varying reliance on the speed of technology uptake such as battery storage solutions, electrification from various sources including nuclear power, low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and the level of consumer engagement.
A common thread in all the pathways is the significant reduction in annual emissions, potentially halving to around 200 megatonnes of CO2 a year within the next decade and further shrinking to 100 megatonnes...