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NETWORK / 10 / OCTOBER 2019 LCNI PREVIEW Aiming for net-zero BEAMA recently launched a new report - Net-Zero by Design. The report explores existing policy and regulation, key enabling factors and the industry change required to help the supply chain in deliv- ering on the requirements of the net-zero target. In this article An- thony Bivens, head of networks at BEAMA, takes an in-depth look at the report and its objectives. B EAMA's senior sector council recently set out their commit- ment to the net-zero 2050 target, accepting the need for urgent action to reduce the devastating global effects of climate change. BEAMA and our members have an important role in ensuring and enabling the emission reduc - tions necessary as well as enhancing the supply chains needed to deliver on net-zero ambitions and energy system transforma- tion. We have made a firm commitment to work with government to ensure strong leadership is in place and that robust long- term policy and regulation supports the market and drives investment. The Committee on Climate Change high- lights that heat and transport sectors have significant potential to decarbonise, and key to this is electrification and a move away from high carbon fossil-fuel technologies. Looking closely at the scale of the challenge in largely electrifying the UK heating and transport system, BEAMA has mapped some of the critical pinch points on the trajectory to 2050 in line with the current regulatory timetable and how new mechanisms can be introduced to enable the changes neces - sary and ensure the transition to net-zero is commercially viable for UK businesses and consumers. Technology is of course a key enabler for our low carbon future and in delivering an energy system that can readily handle changes in use of the system and the chang - ing demands of the customer. There is huge potential for the UK to be a leader in innova- tion and new technology markets for smart flexible energy systems. As the first major economy in the world to set this target in law, there is a need to harness the opportunity for growth in the UK economy. UK leadership is a significant theme within the Committee on Climate Change recommendations, and this theme will underpin our ability to deliver change, on time and at scale. Electricity system investment However, the current investment landscape for the sector is wavering, at a time when industry should be building for a dramatic increase in the deployment of low carbon technologies. The report highlights the limitations today for inward investment and export, and how industry and government can tackle this together and reduce risk for businesses in the UK looking to invest in green, low carbon technologies. The GB energy system is in a high transi - tion period and from an electricity networks viewpoint there is a need for enhanced supply chain engagement and supply chain planning to ensure a buoyant market in the UK and to channel investment accord - ingly. For some time, manufacturers have witnessed reductions in investment in tradi- tional network products in line with typical asset replacement rates and an absence of new reinforcement to create additional capacity. This new additional capacity would help to tackle anticipated increased electrical demand from EVs and heat and due to the connection of other low carbon technologies and generation assets.