NESO's Future Energy Scenarios: Accelerating Towards Net Zero
Key Ideas
  • NESO's FES outlines the need for at least 31 million EVs on the road by 2050 to achieve net zero emissions.
  • The report emphasizes the importance of EV uptake in reducing emissions and highlights the potential of hydrogen in specific sectors.
  • Different pathways to net zero, including Holistic Transition, Electric Engagement, and Hydrogen Evolution, are explored with varying renewable energy and hydrogen usage.
  • FES 2025 indicates advancements in smart charging technology and the incorporation of V2G systems to enhance grid flexibility and reduce peak demand.
The National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) Future Energy Scenarios (FES) presented in 2025 detail the critical role of electric vehicles (EVs) in achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The report forecasts a minimum of 31 million EVs on the roads by then, surpassing the zero-emission vehicle mandate. NESO advocates for robust EV uptake as a key driver for emission reductions, especially as EVs are approaching cost parity while other sectors struggle. The FES explores three pathways to net zero: Holistic Transition combining electrification and hydrogen, Electric Engagement focusing on electrified demand, and Hydrogen Evolution accelerating progress in the hydrogen industry. Each pathway involves high renewable energy capacities and emphasizes supply side flexibility through energy storage and interconnectors. Notably, the Holistic pathway forecasts slight variations in EV numbers compared to the other pathways, showcasing the importance of consumer engagement and renewable energy sources. FES 2025 highlights advancements in smart charging technologies to manage peak demands and the integration of vehicle-to-grid systems for increased grid flexibility.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.