The UK energy sector received two significant announcements this week, both of which promise to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

Ofgem approves £28 billion grid investment

Ofgem has confirmed a £28 billion investment package to upgrade and expand the nation’s energy networks.
The plan allocates:

• £17.8 billion to reinforce the gas network

• £10.3 billion for electricity transmission upgrades

The programme will fund 80 transmission projects over the next five years, enhancing capacity through new power lines, substations and advanced technologies. These upgrades are expected to reduce renewable energy curtailment, improve connection times for new projects and prepare the grid for rising demand driven by electrification and economic growth.

The investment will add around £108 to household bills by 2031; however, anticipated system savings of £80 reduce the net impact to approximately £30.

ESA CEO Jason Howlett welcomed the announcement:
“With this strategic investment in the electricity grid, we must also focus on energy storage projects—both short and long duration—to take pressure off the grid and ensure the network provides secure energy for the 21st century.”

GB Energy publishes its 5-year strategic plan

GB Energy has also released its long-awaited strategic plan, setting out three core priorities that will shape its work through to 2030:

1. GBE Local – Supporting community-owned and local energy projects to ensure residents and public services directly benefit from the infrastructure they host.

2. Onshore Energy – Unlocking the potential of public land and investing to support system flexibility and grid stability.

3. Offshore Energy – Driving growth in Scotland and the Celtic Sea by advancing deeper-water offshore wind projects.

A key component of the strategy is a focus on strengthening UK supply chains, relieving constraints, supporting industrial growth and contributing to a clean-power manufacturing base—“Energy, engineered in the UK.”

Jason Howlett added:
“We have had excellent dialogue with GBE, and they understand the need to work with the UK supply chain to help create clean-power jobs and a circular clean-energy economy. GBE recognises that energy storage has a major role to play in the future energy model. This is an extremely exciting time, and the ESA looks forward to working with GBE to help deliver their plan.”

Together, these announcements mark a significant step toward a more secure, sustainable and locally beneficial energy system. They signal strong momentum behind the UK’s clean-energy transition—supported by modernised infrastructure, empowered communities and a strengthened domestic supply chain.

4th December 2025