đź•’ Article read time: 2 minutes
National Infrastructure Commission review on the electricity distribution network
The Chancellor has commissioned the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to undertake a study into electricity distribution networks and to provide recommendations on the policy decisions required to make the network fit for net zero.
The formal terms of reference for the study were published on Thursday 29 February, with a final report due in around 12 months.
The study will focus on the lower voltage network that connects the high voltage transmission network to homes and businesses.
The government has asked the NIC to consider a range of issues, including: how use of the distribution network will change as new sources of demand, storage and generation are deployed; the role of network and non-network solutions in delivering the capacity needed at lowest cost, and the policy, regulatory and governance changes that could be needed to unlock these solutions; whether any changes to the planning system in England could support faster delivery of needed distribution network infrastructure.
“Logistics UK is calling for a fair and equitable approach for funding electricity asset extensions to enable the expansion of depot charging for electric vehicles,” said Jonathan Walker, Head of Cities and Infrastructure at the business group. “Including through the tax system and the plug-in grant being available to fund connections and charging infrastructure.”
“We are also calling for reforms to planning to enable the installation of charging infrastructure at depots as well as transparency on available grid capacity to help inform investment decisions, together with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) adopting common approaches to costs and service agreements, as well as increasing their own capacity and accepting load balancing options.”
Logistics UK will engage with the NIC and the call for evidence as the study moves forward.
Published On: 07/03/2024 16:00:00
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In Brief
New funding to put the UK at heart of next generation telecommunications services
The UK Space Agency has announced a £10 million funding competition that will help UK companies put their technologies at the forefront of a new generation of global telecommunications services, products and applications.
The £10 million investment is open to a diverse range of innovative products or components, systems or services, and any aspect of the space, ground or network segments. This could include breakthrough technologies such as the development of lasers to communicate in space, or for pioneering market opportunities, such as the use of space tech to boost the efficiency of global shipping and trade.
The Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems programme aims to unleash innovation in telecommunications services that improve life on Earth and unlock growth opportunities for businesses.
The new funding could support projects that help improve connectivity in remote or rural areas, enable the transport of medical supplies via drone, or manage traffic for the emerging generation of autonomous vehicles.
The UK Space Agency will host a webinar on 22 March for potential applicants looking to learn more about how their ideas could support this ambition, and how to bid for investment. 
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