Government recognises household and business energy flexibility as core to delivering clean power by 2030

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has published the joint NESO and Ofgem Clean Flexibility Roadmap, outlining how Great Britain can develop a smarter, cleaner, consumer-focused energy system.

The government’s roadmap targets up to 66 GW of flexible power capacity by 2030, where households and businesses actively contribute to clean generation and system flexibility and reap the rewards of the country’s clean energy ambitions. This system will enhance energy security and resilience, while also promoting job creation and economic growth.

At Joulen, this roadmap speaks directly to the work we’re doing to enable homes and businesses to actively participate in the energy system and unlock flexibility at scale — and benefit financially by doing so.

Clean Flexibility Roadmap snapshot

Here are the key takeaways that will underpin our transformation to a flexible, clean, consumer-led system:

• Flexibility is essential to net zero. The UK will need 51 GW to 66 GW of flexibility by 2030 and over 200 GW by 2050 to decarbonise the power system and manage variable renewables.

• Consumers stand to save £200 to £330 per year. Smart tariffs, automation, and shifting electricity use to off-peak times will help households reduce their bills while supporting a cleaner grid.

• Reforms are coming to unlock value. Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (from October 2025) and a unified register for flexibility service providers will make it easier for both suppliers and consumers to participate in flexibility markets.

• Industry has a key role. Large energy users, such as supermarkets, data centres, and industrial facilities, will be invited to bring flexible capacity to the grid, backed by new onboarding support and clearer signals.

• Digitalisation will underpin delivery. Smart meters, asset visibility, and new data frameworks, such as automatic asset registration, will help enable safe and efficient participation across the system.

• A new governance model has also been established. A dedicated Flexibility Commissioner, annual progress forums, and aligned oversight from DESNZ, Ofgem, and NESO will keep progress on track.

This roadmap marks a step change in how consumers, technology, and markets will collaborate to accelerate the clean energy transition while unlocking up to £70 billion in system savings by 2050.

Experts in energy flexibility 

At Joulen, our AI software platform PARIS is the key to enabling system flexibility for our partners and customers. PARIS forecasts energy generation, consumption, and market conditions every 15 minutes, then analyses this data to optimise storage and trade across all energy markets, thereby maximising value and flexibility. 

We look forward to collaborating with more businesses, energy providers, manufacturers, and renewable installers to embed flexibility and unlock tangible savings as we bring the vision for a flexible, consumer-led clean electricity system to life.

Chris Doherty, Managing Director, Joulen: “Joulen welcomes the government’s roadmap, which outlines the path to a smarter, more flexible electricity system that will strengthen our energy security and power clean economic growth. We will continue working hard to turn this vision into reality, helping households and businesses nationwide reap the rewards of the clean, democratised energy system of the future.”