The current energy crisis means we should focus on building a homegrown energy system that is cheaper, cleaner and more secure and that better protects families and businesses in the future, SSE Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Pibworth, has said.

Addressing the changes needed to impact the creation of a homegrown energy system Mr Pibworth said: "The current energy crisis means we should focus on building a homegrown energy system that is cheaper, cleaner and more secure and that better protects families and businesses in the future.

"Maintaining our position as a leading destination for investors in clean energy, when other regions are racing to catch up, is a key challenge for UK energy policy. How we respond will not only determine whether the current energy crisis is repeated in the future, but also in realising the long-term benefits of the clean energy transition in communities across the country."

Pibworth said that SSE have 'the long-term solution to the energy crisis'.

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He continued: "Fortunately, there is consensus on what needs to happen: reduce our reliance on expensive imported gas.

"Delivering the increased renewables ambition for 2030 of the British Energy Security Strategy (BESS) and in particular going big on wind power and transmission grids will play a major part in securing this – cutting the gas used in the GB electricity system by over 75%.

"For the electricity system, there is no need for a tradeoff between our climate ambitions and consumer costs or maintaining security of supply. Accelerating the energy transition is no longer just a green imperative, but it is central to securing reliable and affordable energy supply."

The Chief Commercial Officer warned however, that competition for clean energy investment is increasing.

He added: "The UK has been a very attractive location for low carbon investors over the last decade, but other regions are ramping up their investment needs whilst the availability of capital tightens.

"In the face of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the EU's Net Zero Industrial Plan the UK Government will have to work to maintain its relative competitiveness in this global investment race.

"Delivering on the BESS 2030 renewables ambition won't be easy. Along with addressing bottlenecks such as a transformative change to the electricity network, the electricity market will need to evolve to ensure the energy transition is done cost effectively and fairly.

"The UK's Review of Electricity Markets Arrangement or 'REMA' is looking to do just that whilst maintaining investor confidence. It comes at a critical time."

Mr Pibworth's statement can be read in full here.