The National Energy System Operator (NESO), Energy Networks Association (ENA) and network operators, have confirmed more than half (58%) of connection offers for projects in the 2030 pipeline have been issued.
The connection offers to ready-to-go energy projects, including offshore and onshore wind, solar, battery storage, gas and hydro, amount to 37GW of new electricity capacity.
It comes with a new pipeline of deliverable projects replacing the ‘first come, first served’ system that led to bottlenecks and delays, the organisations said.
So far, 713 of the 1,223 projects in the 2030 pipeline have received offers. These set out when and where projects can connect, and what enabling upgrades are needed on the transmission and distribution networks.
In total, the projects supported by this process could help unlock up to £40bn of annual clean energy investment, the organisations added, “supporting economic growth while helping deliver a system that is reliable, clean and affordable for consumers”.
Connections reform has replaced a system where viable projects were delayed by those that were not ready. Over five years, the connections queue grew significantly to over twice the capacity Britain needs to achieve net zero by 2050.
Projects must now meet stricter criteria, including securing planning permission, land rights and alignment with the government’s clean energy ambitions.
Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer of NESO, said:
“Today’s milestone shows connections reform is delivering real results. By working closely with network companies, we are cutting delays and helping ready-to-build projects connect faster.
“These offers give developers the certainty they need to invest, supporting economic growth. They also help deliver the reliable, clean and affordable energy system Britain needs. With over half of offers made, we are focused on the next phase of delivery.”
While NESO has led on issuing offers to projects wanting to connect to the high-voltage transmission network, offers to those wishing to connect to the lower-voltage distribution network has been led by distribution network operators.
Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, said:
“Following the networks’ Connections Action Plan, network operators have worked closely with NESO, customers and the wider industry to move away from the previous system, helping to introduce one that prioritises connection ready and strategically important projects.
“This milestone is significant and networks are already focused on the next stage of delivery. While there is more to do, electricity networks are committed to further accelerating grid connections and continuing to engage with customers and stakeholders.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“Upgrading the grid and making it easier for clean power projects to connect to it will help protect billpayers from fossil fuel price spikes.
“This milestone is a landmark step in putting connections reform into action – with offers issued to over 700 shovel-ready projects that will help to bring down bills for good with clean energy that we control.”
The news comes as the ENA sponsors the Energy Network Innovation Project of the Year at the recently announced Transport + Energy Awards. You can find out more and enter the awards here.
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