18th November 2019 | Posted by: Daniel Birkett | Industry News

The National Grid has re-evaluated its de-carbonisation targets and will now match the UK’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

The National Grid will target net zero carbon emissions by 2050 following a recent revision. The Grid initially set itself a target of a 70% reduction by 2030, followed by an 80% reduction by 2050. However, the grid now claims that it needs be “bolder and more ambitious”, having already delivered a 68% reduction in 2019.

The plan for how the target will be met is currently being reviewed with potential measures including; the electrification of its vehicle fleet and the use of robots to reduce leakage on gas pipelines.

Chief Executive of the National Grid, John Pettigrew said: “The decarbonisation of the energy system is one of the biggest challenges facing our world, and National Grid has a critical role to play in the acceleration towards a cleaner future.

“We don’t have all the answers yet, but we are working hard on the pathway and I’m inspired every day by the passion, commitment and unwavering determination of our people to play their part in a net zero future.”

The Grid will also look to support initiatives which tackle carbon emissions that are out of its control - programmes such as energy efficiency schemes to help customers manage their energy consumption, as well as a change in the tendering process to ensure its supply chain reduce the carbon impact of infrastructure projects.

It also aims to create a green financing framework to support sustainable financing across the National Grid plc and any of its subsidiaries. Included in this group is the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, the National Grid Electricity System Operator & National Grid Ventures.

The Grid has also confirmed its intention to work with the government and any regulators to support the nation’s carbon targets over the next thirty years.