The operator of the UK’s electricity grid has visited Inverness to talk with Highland energy firms and stakeholders. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) spoke with figures from the local sector at an event at the Kingsmills Hotel. At the event, local stakeholders looked at how to deliver a more resilient, clean and affordable energy system in the region and beyond. A NESO spokesperson said the session looked at the potential for unlocking economic growth and helping to deliver national, regional and local ambitions. Attendees
at the Inverness Forum included representatives of local government, including island local authorities, community groups, the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, network operators, industry and the Crofting Commission. Senior NESO figures also met community council representatives ahead of the event. NESO’s strategic planning director and chief engineer Julian Leslie said he was “delighted” to be at the event, and said the region makes a “huge contribution to the energy system”. “As NESO develops our strategic energy planning it is important that we work together
with industries and communities across Great Britain so we create an energy system which works for all,” he added. “I was delighted to be in Inverness to hear from a wide range of stakeholders and energy experts from the Highlands and Islands about the challenges and opportunities they face. “The north of Scotland and its islands make a huge contribution to the energy system through the expertise of its people and its abundance of natural resources. “While there is huge potential to be gained from
on areas like electricity generation, hydrogen and energy storage, issues like fuel poverty and grid constraints present substantial challenges. “NESO is determined to work in partnership with local stakeholders and the energy sector to deliver on ambition and prosperity while developing a more resilient, clean and affordable energy system.” Interim managing director of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Alison Wilson was among the panellists at the event. “NESO’s engagement in the Highlands is important and timely, recognising that strategic energy planning must be
closely aligned with regional economic opportunity, infrastructure delivery and community benefit,” she said. “The Green Freeport is focused on ensuring the Highlands develops a nationally significant energy infrastructure while capturing more of the long-term industrial value it will create.” NESO is responsible for “strategic energy planning”, which aims to meet future energy needs across the UK and “decarbonise our energy systems and support economic growth,” according to a spokesperson for the electricity grid operator. Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click
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NESO, Inverness, Highland energy, electrical grid, grid constraints, fuel poverty, hydrogen, energy storage, Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, strategic energy planning, community benefit
Grid constraints again? Sounds like they just keep blaming the lines.
So they went to a hotel to talk about electricity?? Meanwhile my bill is still crazy. Also “hydrogen” always sounds like smoke and mirrors to me.
Not gonna lie I thought NESO was like a charity or something. If it’s the grid operator then why are they saying fuel poverty is a problem like it’s new. Maybe they should just upgrade everything and stop the constraints? Idk.
Kingsmills Hotel meeting = nothing changes. They keep saying “clean and affordable” but it always turns into costs going up. Grid constraints is such a broad term too, like is it Scotland specific or just everywhere? Also hydrogen and storage… my cousin said hydrogen is too dangerous so I’m confused why they’re pushing it.