Energy explained

Ever wondered exactly what net zero is? Or how solar power works? Here we answer all your questions to demystify the world of energy.

Answering your questions on energy

Find out more about how energy works, from its history to the innovations and technologies that could help us build a cleaner, greener energy system for the future.

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What is National Grid?

We’re the largest electricity transmission and distribution business in the UK, delivering electricity safely, reliably and efficiently to the customers and communities we serve, while working towards a cleaner, greener energy future.

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What role does National Grid play in my energy bill?

What role does National Grid play in my energy bill?

We receive a lot of questions about how your household energy bills are made up, and which parts of your bill relate to National Grid.

The bill you receive from your energy supplier is made up of a number of separate charges. Some of these charges are based on the different stages through which electricity makes its way from the producers to your home, so we explain this journey and where National Grid fits in.

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Solar panels and wind turbines in a field with the sun shining behind

Clean energy: what happens when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining?

To achieve net zero carbon emissions, more of our electricity needs to be generated from renewable energy sources – two of the most popular being wind power and solar power.

Because energy generation from these sources can be intermittent, we receive a lot of questions about where clean electricity will come from when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.

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Net zero and carbon emissions

You may have heard the term net zero, but what does it mean? And why is it so important that we reach net zero carbon emissions? Find out the answers to these questions and much more in this section.

Renewable, clean and green energy

What’s the difference between renewable, clean and green energy, and how are different energy sources helping the clean energy transition? Find out more in this section.

Your electricity supply and the electricity network

National Grid is the largest electricity transmission and distribution business in the UK. Find out more about where your electricity comes from and how the electricity systems work.

Energy: past, present and future

In this section we take a look at the history of energy and the key discoveries and inventions along the way, from where it all started to our energy present and future.

Electric vehicles and the journey to net zero

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity across the globe and are instrumental in helping to reduce global carbon emissions and reach net zero. But there are still many uncertainties and even misconceptions about their capabilities. Find out more in this section.

Stories

Energy is changing. Meet the people driving this transformation, discover the tech and engineering solutions helping us deliver a cleaner, greener energy system and explore what the future might look like.
 

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