The head of Britain’s National Energy System Operator has visited Teesside to discuss how new energy infrastructure could underpin the region’s bid to become the country’s leading centre for clean industry.
Fintan Slye, chief executive officer of the National Energy System Operator (NESO), met with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and industry leaders to explore how electricity capacity, connections, and generation can support the growing needs of sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean fuels, and digital infrastructure.
Mr Slye said: “To deliver an energy system that is reliable, clean, and affordable, we must plan ahead.
National Energy System Operator chief Fintan Slye, centre, visits Teesside to discuss energy infrastructure with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and industry leaders (Image: Supplied)
“I’m in Teesside to see how the region is attracting investment and building new industries, and to understand how we can support that growth through strategic energy planning.
“By identifying future demand early, we can make sure the right infrastructure is in place to power jobs, industry, and communities for the long term.”
Teesside is already attracting significant investment in low-carbon industries and clean energy, with projects like Net Zero Teesside and the Teesworks development playing a key role in transforming the region’s industrial base.
Mr Slye’s visit comes as NESO continues to work on its Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), a 25-year blueprint focused on building electricity and hydrogen infrastructure across Great Britain in the locations where it will be most needed.
National Energy System Operator chief Fintan Slye visits Teesside to discuss energy infrastructure with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and industry leaders (Image: Supplied)
During his time in Teesside, Mr Slye toured the Teesworks site, one of the largest regeneration and industrial development projects in Europe.
He met with the owner of Steel River Power, a £100 million venture to build a private wire electricity network for the site.
He also visited the Teesworks Skills Academy and met with lecturers and students to learn how the centre is training workers for roles in emerging sectors, including clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Mr Houchen said: “Our region is leading the way in delivering the industries and technologies that will power the UK’s future economy.
National Energy System Operator chief Fintan Slye visits Teesside to discuss energy infrastructure with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and industry leaders (Image: Supplied)
“We have some of the most ambitious clean energy, manufacturing, and digital projects anywhere in the country, and ensuring we have the right energy infrastructure to support them is absolutely critical.
“That’s why it’s so important that NESO is engaging directly with our region as it develops its long-term plans for the UK energy system.
“Teesside is already attracting billions of pounds of investment and creating thousands of high-quality jobs, and with the right electricity infrastructure in place, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth.”
John Barnes, chief executive of the South Tees Development Corporation, welcomed the engagement.
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He said: “Teesside is at the forefront of the UK’s clean industrial transformation, with major investments in low-carbon energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure creating significant new demand for power.
“As we continue to develop Teesworks and attract world-leading businesses to the region, it is vital that the necessary energy infrastructure is in place to support that growth.
“We welcome NESO’s engagement with Teesside and look forward to working together to ensure the region has the capacity and connectivity needed to unlock future investment, create jobs, and drive long-term economic growth.”