Under pressure [renewable energy generation]

The UK's electricity network has reached its current stage of development despite the various mistakes made along the way, but can the industry really rely on the same approach in the future? Given recent changes, traditional network models may not be as effective as they have been in the past. Current UK energy policy requires the network to accept large-scale renewable energy as well as extensive local generation. In addition, transmission and distribution losses need to be reduced dramatically. Clearly these demands will require investment in the nation's ageing network assets, but first, clashes between government policy, industry implementation, the regulatory regime and public opinion must be resolved.