• REA welcomes the 2021 update to the Smart Energy System and Flexibility Plan;

• REA’s calls for longer duration energy storage call for evidence and reform to grid governance systems successful;

• Plan must be refined and implemented as soon as possible to help meet UK’s Net Zero targets.

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology’s (REA) has welcomed the 2021 update to the Smart Energy System and Flexibility Plan, saying that it is a crucial step to delivering a more flexible and decentralised power system.

The REA has long called for a longer duration energy storage call for evidence and reforms to the grid governance system, with progress made on both of these areas within the report.

The Association adds that it is now imperative that the Plan is refined and implemented as soon as possible in order to help meet the UK’s power decarbonisation targets within a decade.

Frank Gordon, Head of Policy at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), said: “The REA welcomes the publication of the Smart System and Flexibility Plan 2021 update, a crucial step to delivering a more flexible and decentralised power system. 

“It is particularly positive to see the strategy recognise the urgency with which market barriers now need to be addressed in order to see a full range of flexible and clean power solutions deployed. We hope that both the Government and the regulator will be in a position to act quickly to implement these changes following consultation, releasing not only decarbonisation, but cost savings for consumers and delivering a substantial amount of new jobs in the renewable energy and clean tech industry.

“It is also pleasing to see publication of the longer duration energy storage call for evidence, as called for by the REA in an influential report earlier this year. It is good to see the Government recognise the lack of a route to market for long term flexible power storage, which is fundamental to successfully delivering a resilient decarbonised power grid. However, attention also needs to be given to smaller scale storage systems, including within the home, in order to truly democratise the UKs transition to a clean energy system. 

“Progress on reforms of the grid governance system is another welcome development as this is an important but often overlooked part of the Net Zero jigsaw. This is an area we have been campaigning for a number of years so we are delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns.

“The REA and its members stand ready to work with the Government and Ofgem to see this strategy refined and delivered as soon as practically possible. This means ensuring that the UK power system is almost totally decarbonised by the early 2030s, which is critical if we are to remain on track to meet the UK’s net zero ambitions.”

—ENDS—

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Notes to editors:

About the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA):

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (known as the REA) is the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies with around 550 members operating across heat, transport, power and the Circular Economy. The REA is a not-for-profit organisation representing fourteen sectors, ranging from biogas and renewable fuels to solar and electric vehicle charging. Membership ranges from major multinationals to sole traders.

For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net