Bridging the gap to net zero

The FES: Bridging the gap to net zero programme takes a closer look at what needs to be done to reach the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

Through the programme, we identify and investigate the areas from our recent future energy scenarios publication that we consider to be the most important and the most uncertain.

We intend to bring together a wide range of stakeholders to progress the debate, recommending actions for policy makers and industry to move towards net zero, and also join the dots of the ESO’s work in responding to some of the challenges presented by the FES key messages.

National Grid ESO - Bridging the gap report - teenager stands on edge in Peak District

Bridging the Gap 2020/21 final report

This year’s Bridging the Gap project looked at peaks and troughs: how data and digitalisation, technology and markets can help meet the challenges of a decarbonised electricity system.

These recommendations represent an industry view of how we can make the most out of data, digitalisation, technology and markets to help us manage the challenges of increasing levels of renewable electricity generation.

Find out what needs to be done now to make sure we’re heading in the right direction for net zero by 2030.

Introducing Bridging the Gap 2020: Peaks and Troughs

Download our final report

Bridging the Gap to Net Zero peaks and troughs workshops

We held the first of our Bridging the Gap workshops this year at the end of October, bringing together a wide range of our stakeholders.

The aim was to discuss the new ‘peaks’ and critical points in our energy system, and then how markets, tech and data and digitalisation could help to manage these.

In the next instalment, we led three webinars covering our interim findings relating to markets, technology and data and digitalisation and how they can help with the challenges of operating a decarbonised electricity system.

You can download the slides below.

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Introduction to Bridging the Gap

National Grid ESO - Bridging the Gap data and digitalisation webinar - hand on heating control.jpg

Data and digitalisation webinar

National Grid ESO - Bridging the Gap technology webinar - Tech Light Installment marius.jpg

Technology webinar

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Markets webinar

Heat decarbonisation - Tunnel in sunset vision

Our new thought piece: Heat decarbonisation

In FES 2020 one of our Key Messages is that reaching net zero is achievable but requires immediate action across all key technologies and policy areas.

Decarbonising heat is one of the biggest challenges in reaching net zero.

Read our thought piece: Heat Decarbonisation and its Implications for electricity and gas system operation

Download the slides from the supporting webinar 

Last year's programme

Through last year's Bridging the Gap report, we explored:

  • Bioenergy in a net zero world
  • How electric vehicles (EVs) can facilitate greater growth of renewable generation
  • Managing peak electric heat demand

As well as topic-specific recommendations, we identified a need for a common, ‘whole society’ definition of net zero, so we all know what we’re working towards.

For more information about our recommendations, read our one-page infographic and the report itself.

Bridging the gap

 

Look out for our thought piece, ‘Defining Net Zero’ in the next few weeks, which picks up some of the actions from the report.

You can also download the bioresource workshop slides.
 

Download the workshop slides