It builds on Neso\u2019s Beyond 2030 publication from March 2024 and incorporates its latest \u201cFuture Energy Scenarios\u201d.<\/p>\n
The update identifies 43 transmission projects that Neso recommends for development through the 2030s, more than half of which it expects to be needed by the mid\u20112030s.<\/p>\n
The 43 recommended projects were selected through an evidence\u2011based assessment that weighed cost, deliverability and environmental and community effects.<\/p>\n
Neso divides proposals into near\u2011to\u2011medium term options, projects it regards as mature enough for delivery by the mid\u20112030s, and longer\u2011term options that require further development and will be reassessed in a forthcoming Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP), due in 2028.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-01-134944.webp\")
<\/p>\n
A map showing Neso\u2019s 43 recommended upcoming network upgrade projects<\/p>\n
Since the 2024 report, Neso has identified that demand for electricity in the UK is expected to rise by more than 30% by the mid\u20112030s as the energy mix changes and new industries expand, including data centre construction and the electrification of industrial heating and transport.<\/p>\n
Much of the new generation and demand will be located away from existing load centres, placing additional strain on the transmission \u201cmotorways\u201d that move power around the country, Neso said.<\/p>\n
Without network reinforcement, Neso is now warning constraint costs, payments the system operator makes to manage bottlenecks by curbing generation in one area and increasing it elsewhere, could roughly treble between 2031 and 2035.<\/p>\n
That, Neso stated, would increase consumer bills and could force greater use of gas generation if renewables cannot be transmitted where needed.<\/p>\n
Limited transmission capacity would also delay new connections for homes, businesses and clean generators, potentially holding back investment.<\/p>\n
The update signals Neso\u2019s intention to increase the UK\u2019s use of undersea cabling over new onshore lines with the organisation recommending roughly three times more new offshore links than onshore routes.<\/p>\n
Where onshore work is required, Neso has placed its preference on upgrades to existing infrastructure rather than new builds to reduce community and environmental impacts.<\/p>\n
Neso\u2019s new recommendations are advisory and intended to inform Ofgem\u2019s investment decisions and transmission owners\u2019 proposals but it does call for full implementation of the Transmission Acceleration Action Plan.<\/p>\n
Neso director strategic energy planning and chief engineer Julian Leslie said: \u201cDelivering energy infrastructure efficiently and on time is critical to ensuring the system remains resilient and affordable for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur electricity system must meet growing future needs to unlock economic growth and enable job creation across every sector and part of Great Britain.<\/p>\n
\u201cProviding clarity on where our future network is needed helps give certainty to industry to enable continued delivery and provides confidence to support investment decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alongside the update Neso published an Electricity Networks Explainer to improve transparency about how transmission planning decisions are made. It also published a set of Electricity Transmission Design Principles to guide transmission owners on consistent design choices.<\/p>\n
Neso said a broader Strategic Spatial Energy Plan will follow next year, feeding into the longer\u2011term CSNP in 2028.<\/p>\n
This will take a whole\u2011system view across electricity, gas and hydrogen for the coming 25 years.<\/p>\n
Reaction<\/p>\n
Stantec transmission and distribution director in the UK and Ireland Sophie Lee released a statement to NCE discussing how the UK must \u201cradically upgrade\u201d its infrastructure as the way we use energy is changing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main points raised in this report are clear,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe need to radically upgrade the UK\u2019s electricity network is evolving, but so too are the costs associated with any delay.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnergy resilience and national security have always gone hand-in-hand. Integrating wind and solar farms, data centres, and even entire new towns into the grid are all incredibly complex challenges in their own rights, not to mention the rewiring of the existing grid to accommodate generational changes in where and how power is generated and used.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added:\u00a0\u201cThe sector requires timely, ambitious, and long-term investment if it is to rise to these challenges. Upgrades are needed, and they need to be delivered quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means leveraging more efficient design approaches, smarter programme technologies, and more innovative digital tools.\u201d<\/p>\n
AtkinsR\u00e9alis market director for power, renewables and industrial Ryan Macdonald said: \u201cThis update from Neso provides further clarity on the direction of the UK\u2019s transmission network, reinforcing the central role it will play in enabling a reliable, clean and affordable energy system through the 2030s.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UK\u2019s energy transition is now in a decisive delivery phase, where the network becomes the key enabler of electrification, industrial competitiveness and long-term energy security.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added:\u00a0\u201cWith electricity demand forecast to grow by more than 30% by 2035, expanding and upgrading transmission capacity will be central to unlocking investment, supporting reindustrialisation and driving regional growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeeting that opportunity means delivering infrastructure at pace and with greater coordination, as well as building the capability to deliver at scale. Strengthening supply chains, investing in skills and bringing together the right engineering and delivery expertise will be critical in ensuring the network acts as a solid foundation and enabler for the UK\u2019s growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Energy minister Michael Shanks said: \u201cWe are taking a strategic approach to building an energy system fit for the future \u2013 that safeguards our energy independence and keeps bills down while driving economic growth in every corner of Britain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis provides a blueprint for where our electricity grid is needed \u2013 to power AI and industry, and ensure homes and businesses benefit from Britain\u2019s clean, homegrown energy.\u201d<\/p>\n