Two of Scotland's major energy providers have responded to the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) Clean Power 2030 advice to Government.

Keith Anderson, Scottish Power CEO, said: "Britain needs to deliver the biggest upgrade to the grid since the 1950’s and today’s NESO report has confirmed clean power by 2030 is achievable but will be demanding.

"From an engineering point of view, it’s absolutely doable. What we need now is to clear obstructions from the pathway and deliver a fast and effective planning system that allows the UK to build for the future and grow the economy. We also need a realistic approach to the financing of this huge investment, given the scale and pace of the delivery needed in a short period of time.

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"The opportunities for jobs, skills and the UK supply chain to capture the benefits of this investment in low-cost, home-grown, clean energy are huge."

Also providing a response, Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive of SSE, which has a £20bn clean power investment programme said: "Clean power is a big challenge, but if we act with enough urgency, decisiveness and the right partnership between industry, government and regulators then it is achievable.

"Industry will invest the money needed if regulators deliver investible frameworks and government provides supportive policies that get projects built.

"The faster we get there the quicker we can deliver the good jobs and energy security we all want to see; building a strong home-grown system that is affordable and protects families and businesses from future energy price shocks.

"SSE is ready to play our part delivering the renewables, electricity networks and flexible technologies needed to deliver clean power at pace."