Operating the system in 2020
As the UK energy industry works to ensure continued security of supply we will face new challenges in operating an electricity transmission system with intermittent renewable generation, new larger nuclear power stations and greater interconnection. We expect that: day-to-day operation of the transmission networks will become more complex; the way we operate and the way the electricity market operates are likely to change; and the way that consumers interact with the market may also change.
We have been working with other energy companies, the UK government and Ofgem to produce a vision of the network reinforcements, market and framework changes required to meet these challenges. In 2009, we published a document describing the likely issues relating to operating the electricity transmission networks in 2020, including the challenges we will face in our role as system operator and an indication of the services we are likely to require going forward. We believe we can address these challenges by building on our expertise in operating transmission networks and by seeking out innovative solutions, which allow more parties to play a role in securing energy supply in the UK.
