The UK’s energy sector is undergoing a massive transformation, and with it comes a growing tangle of acronyms: FES, SSEP, CSNP, RESP, Connections Reform, REMA and more.
Here’s a straightforward look at how some of these fit together.
FES - Future Energy Scenarios
Outlines plausible futures for Great Britain’s energy system - including demand, supply, hydrogen, and storage. It forms the foundation for other national planning initiatives.
→ Led by NESO, commissioned by Ofgem.
SEP - Strategic Energy Planning
An integrated programme of NESO activities and publications - including the SSEP, RESPs, and CSNP - designed to align long-term network development with national and regional energy needs.
SSEP - Strategic Spatial Energy Plan
Takes a top-down view to determine required energy technology capacities on a zonal basis. It doesn’t specify size or types of projects but identifies what’s needed and where.
→ Commissioned by the UK, Scottish, and Welsh Governments.
RESPs - Regional Energy Strategic Planners
Aims to develop bottom-up, multi-vector regional plans starting from the SSEP. These plans cover electricity, heat, hydrogen, and more.
→ Commissioned by Ofgem.
CSNP - Centralised Strategic Network Plan
Outlines specific asset-based solutions for the transmission network, based on the zonal capacity needs identified in the SSEP.
Before the full plan is published, NESO is refining its approach through a series of transitional versions (tCSNPs).
→ Commissioned by Ofgem
Connections Reform
Overhauls the grid connection process to prioritise projects aligned with national strategies. The current reform package is referred to as TM04+.
→ Led by NESO.
REMA - Review of Electricity Market Arrangements
Running in parallel: a full reform of UK electricity markets to support the system that all this planning is building. Zonal pricing is on the table.
→ Led by DESNZ.
These acronyms are all part of a wider shift to achieve a strategic, spatially-aware energy system - with many more pieces shaping the full picture.
MapStand supports this transition by delivering high-quality spatial data and working together with our partner Olsights to provide advanced analytical tools and decision-making software. These solutions enable industry stakeholders to gain valuable insights, uncover new opportunities, and make informed decisions across the energy sector.
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If you're navigating this evolving landscape, let’s connect! If you'd like to discuss how we can support you with projects in 2025 and beyond, we'd love to hear from you. You can contact us here.
