Powering the future

To meet the growing demand and adapt to climate challenges, substantial investment is needed. According to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), the UK will need to invest £40-50 billion annually in energy infrastructure over the next decade. This includes developing new transmission lines, substations, offshore wind farms, and battery storage. National Grid alone plans to spend £35 billion on infrastructure over the next five years.

The government is supporting this push with new reforms. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up the construction of major infrastructure projects. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) sees the potential for these reforms to boost investment and economic growth, accelerating essential energy developments.

But it will take more than just infrastructure. A key component in developing and maintaining the energy networks we need is the availability of skilled workers.

Estimates indicate that hundreds of thousands of engineers and professionals will be required to support the massive infrastructure projects planned for the next decade. To meet this demand, providing long-term funding certainty is essential, as it allows companies to strengthen their supply chains and invest in training new staff. The Accelerated Strategic Infrastructure Programme (ASTI) is already paving the way, with long-term contracts being awarded and skilled jobs being created under the updated regulatory framework from Ofgem.

While the national benefits of resilient energy infrastructure are clear, the impact on local communities must also be addressed. Public support for the energy transition remains strong, with 65% of British adults backing the shift to renewable energy. However, how will those living near new infrastructure feel?

To ease the burden, the government proposes offering up to £250 as an annual discount on energy bills to residents within 0.5 kilometres of new transmission lines or other energy infrastructure. This aims to mitigate the inconvenience and disruption caused by such projects. However, recent research indicates that this incentive may not be sufficient to win local support, with some stating that no amount of money would convince them to accept energy infrastructure near their communities.

Objections largely stem from concerns over visual impact and environmental effects, as well as perceived safety and property value risks. When asked about financial incentives, the majority of those who were opposed to energy infrastructure near their home even with a £250 reduction in their energy bills (79% for wind farms, 77% for solar farms, and 77% for pylons) stated that no level of compensation would sway their opposition.

Despite this, 74% of respondents agree it’s fair to offer discounted bills to those near new infrastructure, and 65% think investment in local community initiatives would be a fair compensation. Among those open to incentives, 34% prefer reduced energy bills for a limited period, while 16% favour improvements to local infrastructure, like pothole repairs, and 11% would like more job and training opportunities.