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Response to Great British Energy's Strategic Plan

On the 4 December, Great British Energy published its Strategic Plan on how the country will use the energy transition as a great economic opportunity. Energy Systems Catapult responds.

Guy Newey, CEO of Energy Systems Catapult, said:

“Great British Energy is itself an important innovation in the energy system, championing the energy transition as a driver for creating jobs, new industries and lowering bills.

“It’s good to see GB Energy focus on the importance of local energy and local authorities. The transition will simply not happen unless we gain local support for when and where new energy infrastructure is needed. This has been a gap for too long.

“GB Energy’s support for new markets and technologies is welcome. UK innovators will only deliver real, sustainable growth if they develop and exploit technological and competitive advantage, accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies that benefit all of us.

“Energy Systems Catapult is committed to supporting GB Energy in turning the energy transition into a major economic win for UK companies.”

Energy Systems Catapult’s team of over 250 experts have worked with innovators and local authorities on initiatives that can help inform some of the specific priorities outlined in GB Energy’s strategy, including:

  • GB Energy plans to establish a route to market for unlocking smart local energy solutions up and down the country. Energy Systems Catapult has analysed the approach and lessons learned from 25 smart local energy projects. It identified five business models for ‘smart local energy systems’ that can help deliver value to local communities. The findings are available here.
  • GB Energy wants to build development capability to unlock the potential of public land. Energy Systems Catapult worked with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to identify under-used sites and buildings to host solar and hydro generation assets, battery storage, electric vehicle charging sites and smart energy management systems. The project produced a financial modelling tool for local authorities and energy project developers. The tool is available here.