Grid connection delay hampering clean energy projects
More than a thousand approved clean energy projects are still to be built due to delays in connecting to the grid, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
The LGA claims the grid challenges are putting net zero progress at risk with some councils and waiting decades for their clean energy schemes to be connected.
It highlights a solar farm scheme in Coventry that cannot be connected to the grid until 2028, and in Dorset, the council has been told it cannot be connected until 2036 for some projects.
With a need to accelerate the clean energy transition, especially with the electrification of vehicles, the LGA is calling on the Government to step up the pace in connecting energy schemes to the grid, and resource councils to develop local energy plans to share investments and develop local grids.
There has been a sharp increase in clean power schemes granted permission by councils in recent years, with the number doubling almost every year since 2018. These projects include schemes to generate energy from solar, wind, water, biomass, waste, sewage, and hydrogen, which have the total capacity to generate 9,000 megawatts at any one time.
The LGA said communities have said yes to over 1,300 renewable energy schemes that are waiting to be built. However, just 150 of these projects are currently under construction. Solar schemes alone awaiting construction would generate around 15,000MW a day, which is enough to power 1.9 million homes.
Cllr Linda Taylor, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: “Our transition to a secure and sustainable future relies on continued growth in renewable energy.
“It’s fantastic to see a rapid rise in planning permissions for green energy projects. However, the numbers awaiting construction is concerning, with many pointing to delays in securing the grid infrastructure that connects solar panels to kettles.
“It’s a big challenge and there is a huge effort underway. Councils want to play their full role but need the resources and powers for local energy plans to shape the grid investments so essential to a secure and sustainable future.”
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