Overview

• The National Energy System Operator has targeted a 30-minute period this year to operate the grid without burning any domestic gas.
• Grid stability will be maintained through a stability market that deploys spinning flywheels, standby turbines and battery storage to replace conventional inertia.
• Analysts from Aurora Energy Research and consultancy Stonehaven say short-term gas-free operation is an inevitable milestone as renewable capacity grows.
• Subsea interconnectors supply around 12–18% of UK power and may still carry gas-fired generation from neighboring countries.
• The trial aligns with the government’s clean power action plan to secure at least 95% of Britain’s annual electricity from renewables, nuclear, batteries or carbon-captured sources by 2030.