In a feasibility study published last year, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) said the ambition is achievable – but only just. All the stars must align to keep the mission on track. There’s no room for error or inefficiency as infrastructure owners and their supply chain mobilise to deliver the biggest transformation of the grid in generations in a few short years.

It’s this high-stakes environment that is driving a growing focus on the role that improved information management (IM) can play in enabling Net Zero infrastructure delivery.

Even before the introduction of the 2030 target, GB’s three transmission operators (TOs) – National Grid Electricity Transmission, Scottish Power Transmission and SSEN Transmission – for example, had recognised that a growing volume of infrastructure renewal and growth projects meant the established ways of exchanging information with partners throughout design and delivery phases for new assets, were no longer fit for purpose.

In response, they individually set out on journeys to adopt better IM standards which would bring efficiency through standardisation and time savings. Embracing Building Information Management (BIM) best practice has been a common goal, alongside implementation of best-in-class design and build software platforms.

But with the delivery timeline for a Net Zero Power system now even more tightly compressed, the TOs have doubled down on their IM focus, including through enhanced collaboration and commitments to standardise approaches across their three organisations.