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Bridging the Gap to net zero

The Future Energy Scenarios Bridging the Gap to net zero project takes a closer look at what needs to be done to reach the UK’s 2050 net zero target, building on the key messages in FES publication.

This year the project is taking a closer look at peaks and troughs in the electricity system in 2035, made especially relevant with the new government target for a fully decarbonised power system by 2035.

Key messages

1. Flexibility needs broad and large-scale investment to start now

Strategic investment is needed in flexibility related assets, which are digitalised and interoperable. This is alongside the need for urgent market reform and investment in all networks.

2. Consumers are part of the solution

Unlocking end-consumer flexibility is fundamental to effectively managing a fully decarbonised energy system. Facilitating access to this flexibility is complex and needs to start now.

3. Net zero needs cross-sector coordination

A whole system approach to coordinating the delivery of net zero across the country is required to prioritise and drive action.

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A Day in the Life of 2035

To be able to identify the actions needed to get to net zero, it’s important to understand what we’re aiming for. By modelling two days in the life of the energy system in 2035, we have illustrated what will be needed to keep the lights on in a fully decarbonised electricity system. For a summer’s day and a winter’s day, we have explored how demand can be flexed to meet renewable supplies.

Day in the Life of 2035 Executive Summary

Day in the Life of 2035 interactive report

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A flexibility timeline to 2035

Working with stakeholders to join the dots between ESO activities, key industry plans and strategies, we have built a flexibility timeline showing the specific actions and milestones needed to get us to a 2035 flexible energy system.

View the flexibility timeline to 2035 (interactive)

Download the flexibility timeline to 2035 (print ready)

Flexibility timeline tracker

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Bridging the Gap launch webinar

We launched our 2022 Bridging the Gap to net zero materials during a webinar on 16 March 2022.

Bridging the Gap to net zero launch

If you have any comments or questions about Bridging the Gap, please get in touch using [email protected]

Bridging the Gap to net zero archive

Below you can find our previous Bridging the Gap materials and documents from 2020 and 2021.

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Operability Strategy

Our Operability Strategy explains the challenges we face maintaining and developing our electricity system and how we are addressing them.

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