The government’s announcement this week of the resurrection of the stalled Energy Security Bill is a welcome sign that energy policy might be getting back to something more normal.
The Bill is full of vital, but rather ‘technocratic’ measures, such as a legal definition of storage (drafted by Regen’s Electricity Storage Network). Most important, perhaps, is the creation of a publicly owned energy system operator. This speaks to the urgent need, identified in Regen’s work with the ESO on ‘a day in life’ of a net zero power system, for a clear plan for the delivery of our net zero energy ambitions.
The implications of failing to properly plan for the energy transition is becoming glaringly obvious to anyone trying to get a connection to the grid for all those renewable, storage and EV charger projects we so badly need. Connection dates of 2036 or even 2038 are now common.
The Bill also has a step towards a clearer local/national partnership approach to plan for net zero, by requiring zoning for heat networks. Regen is working with Innovate UK and EY to build on this by setting out a more holistic approach to local ‘decarbonisation pathway planning’.
As we come to the end of a turbulent year it is, I think, important that we remember to celebrate the impressive achievements of our sector – which is why I hope you will nominate yourself or others for Regen’s Green Energy Awards.
Merlin Hyman
Chief executive, Regen
Market insights
Will the power grid be fossil fuel free by 2035? Learnings from our latest project with National Grid ESO
Last month we published a landmark report with National Grid ESO exploring 'a day in the life' of our future decarbonised energy system in 2035. Co-author Sophie Whinney, energy analyst at Regen, discusses the key takeaways. Read the blog here
Smart local energy systems:
key areas for innovation
As part of Innovate UK's 'prospering from the energy revolution' challenge, Regen has produced three insight briefs to demonstrate the viability, impact and future prospects of smart local energy systems.
Following our response to the Autumn Statement, this brief provides further insight and analysis on the proposals for an Electricity Generator Levy, replacing the short-lived idea of a ‘Cost-Plus Revenue Limit’ with a 45% tax charge on ‘Exceptional Generation Receipts’. Read the brief here.
Energy Generation in Wales:
Our latest report for the Welsh Government
The latest iteration of our work for the Welsh Government explores the energy generation capacity in Wales at the end of 2021 and how this has changed over time, as well as evaluating progress against key Welsh Government targets. Read more here.
Regen's response to the Chancellor's announcement of a levy on electricity generators
On 17 November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt released the Autumn Statement. Regen has published a response, focusing on the announcement of a proposed levy on certain electricity generators. Read our response here.
Net zero review -
a vital opportunity
The UK government’s Net Zero Review aims to assess the economic co-benefits of delivering on net zero. In this blog, policy and impact coordinator Estelle Limon unpacks the importance of the review for the clean energy sector, and how it should be used as an opportunity to deliver benefits for people, businesses and communities.
Regen's key priorities and recommendations for REMA
Following Regen's formal response to BEIS's REMA consultation, in this blog, net zero project manager Ellie Brundrett breaks down Regen’s view of the priorities for REMA.
The key overarching message is that market reform needs to be considered in conjunction with wider areas of reform and investment in the electricity system. Read our response here.
Exploring energy democracy through sound art: Regen art lab artist residency
Regen Art Lab’s 2022/23 artist-in-residence, Cameron Naylor, introduces himself and how he plans to explore the theme of “energy democracy, community energy, and the power grid” through sound art. Read more here.
Graphic of the Month
Regen is hosting the SSEN Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES) 2022 stakeholder engagement webinars this week to gather stakeholder views on the future of net zero on the distribution network.
To provide context for the analysis, we've visualised the DFES 2021 projections for battery electric vehicles out to 2050 under an ambitious net zero scenario -- Consumer Transformation.
The geographic factors that determine this distribution include: affluence, rurality, existing vehicle baselines and the distribution of on- and off-street parking out until the late 2020s, after which EV uptake becomes more ubiquitous across the licence area.
On 29 March 2023 in Bristol, Regen will be hosting the Green Energy Awards - now in their twentieth year!
We invite you to put yourselves forward for a nomination in the following award categories:
Whole energy system innovation
Net zero energy pioneer
Net zero energy developer
Clean energy scheme
Community energy initiative
Public sector local leadership
The Electricity Storage Network's Annual Conference 2023
24 January - in London and 25-26 January - online
Join the Electricity Storage Network, managed by Regen, for an in-person afternoon session and networking reception at the IET in London, followed by two days of online sessions. The Conference will be a unique opportunity to learn from innovation across the sector. Current sponsors include Roadnight Taylor, Fluence and Schneider Electric. Find out more and sign up to attend.
Delivering local benefit from offshore renewables
7 December | 15:00-16:00 - online
At this webinar, we will launch our thought leadership paper looking at community benefit funds and local ownership options for offshore renewables, sponsored by Oceanwinds. Find out more and sign up.
Memberships
Join us! We are proud to be a membership organisation and always welcome new members. Find out more about our membership types:
