The UK's National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), who own and maintain the high voltage electricity network in England and Wales, have had their emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. The SBTi is a global external validation service which monitors emissions reduction targets in line with the objective of keeping global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
NGET’s network consists of 4500 miles of overhead power line, 900 miles of underground cable and 900 substations, all moving electricity from where it is generated to direct customers and to distribution companies who deliver power to homes and businesses. It’s targets include a 34% reduction in emissions by 2026 and a 50% reduction by 2030 (from a 2018) baseline, aligning NGET with their parent company National Grid's net zero ambitions.
The company aims to achieve this by reducing its direct emissions from its use of insulating gases such as sf6, using renewable energy and improving the efficiency of its offices and operational sites, decarbonizing its operational fleet, and reducing the energy lost through power flows on its network. It will also address the indirect emissions of construction of new assets or parts of the network, encouraging and incentivizing its supply chain to deliver carbon neutral construction by 2026.
Welcoming the approval of this science-based target, Chris Bennett, Interim President of National Grid Electricity Transmission said, “We’re extremely proud to have confirmation that our own emissions reduction targets have been scientifically approved for the most ambitious 1.5°C pathway.
“As the electricity transmission owner for England and Wales we play an important role at the heart of the UK’s transition to net zero.
“It’s important we lead by example, reducing our own emissions and working with others to enable and accelerate the transition to a cleaner power and net zero emissions.”
NGET will report annual progress against achieving these targets within its Environmental Action Plan and, in line with the requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative, will review the targets in 2025 according to the latest scientific evidence.