Fireside Chat with Fintan Slye, CEO, National Energy System Operator

Delivering Clean Power 2030 will require one of the most significant transformations of the UK's energy system in decades. In this Strategic Summit fireside chat, Fintan Slye, Chief Executive of the National Energy System Operator (NESO), discusses the scale of that challenge and the practical steps being taken to build a more secure, affordable and resilient electricity system.

As the independent organisation responsible for strategic energy system planning, NESO plays a central role in helping deliver the UK's clean energy ambitions. During the discussion, Fintan explains how the organisation has evolved since becoming a public corporation, while maintaining its operational independence from both government and industry. He outlines how NESO is supporting the transition through long-term system planning, reforming grid connections, improving market efficiency and helping to coordinate the infrastructure needed to connect new renewable generation.

A key focus of the conversation is whether the UK remains on track to achieve Clean Power 2030. While acknowledging that the target remains ambitious, Fintan argues that significant progress has already been made through reforms to the connections queue, successful renewable energy auction rounds and clearer strategic planning. However, he also stresses that the next phase of the transition will depend on delivering major infrastructure projects, accelerating planning and consenting processes, and ensuring that electricity networks are expanded alongside renewable generation.

The discussion also explores how the energy system is changing in response to new technologies and patterns of demand. Topics including offshore wind, regional energy planning, AI data centres, distributed energy resources and electricity market reform demonstrate how the future energy system will become increasingly complex, requiring greater coordination, digitalisation and flexibility. Throughout the session, Fintan emphasises the importance of balancing the energy trilemma—affordability, security of supply and sustainability—while maintaining investor confidence and supporting long-term economic growth.

Looking ahead, NESO's role extends beyond operating today's electricity system to helping design the network that will support future generations. From strategic spatial energy planning to integrating large-scale renewable generation and enabling greater consumer participation, the conversation highlights how long-term planning and collaboration across industry, government and communities will be essential to delivering a reliable and resilient energy system for the UK.

The session explores

• Delivering Clean Power 2030 and the UK's long-term energy strategy
• NESO's role in strategic energy system planning and grid transformation
• Reforming grid connections to accelerate renewable energy deployment
• Balancing affordability, energy security and Net Zero ambitions
• Regional energy planning, offshore wind and network investment
• The impact of AI, data centres and distributed energy on the future electricity system

Watch the full fireside chat to hear Fintan Slye discuss how the National Energy System Operator is helping shape the future of Great Britain's energy system through strategic planning, infrastructure investment and market reform, while supporting the delivery of Clean Power 2030.

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