2025
United Kingdom
NESO’s Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) methodology establishes a national framework to plan Great Britain’s energy system from 2030 to 2050. Integrating electricity and hydrogen generation and storage across land and sea, it combines economic, spatial, environmental, and societal modelling. With feedback from over 130 stakeholders, the methodology delivers a transparent, data-driven process for identifying optimal infrastructure locations and aligning policy, investment, and delivery toward net zero.
Highlights
01
First GB-wide plan integrating electricity and hydrogen generation and storage across land and sea, from 2030 to 2050.
02
The methodology consultation received over 900 comments from 130+ stakeholders.
03
Modelling architecture that integrates economic, environmental, societal, and spatial considerations.
Main Information
In response to growing demand and the UK’s net zero goals, NESO developed the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) methodology — a blueprint for optimising electricity and hydrogen generation and storage planning from 2030 to 2050.
The SSEP combines economic, spatial, environmental, and societal analysis to identify the optimal zonal locations for electricity and hydrogen generation and storage. Developed through extensive engagement with over 130 stakeholders, the methodology ensures transparency, inclusivity, and scientific rigour.
It is the first plan in Great Britain to map zonal opportunities for energy generation and storage across land and sea. This integrated approach brings clarity for government, industry, and communities, enabling coordinated and timely infrastructure delivery.
The SSEP represents a major cultural shift from reactive to proactive energy planning. It strengthens public trust and policy coherence, providing a shared vision for clean, secure, and affordable energy. The methodology sets out how NESO will balance cost, impact, and opportunity and help to forge the path to a sustainable future for everyone.
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