Grid connections at risk due to land status.

Efforts to expedite UK grid connection times face potential delays due to uncertainty surrounding the status and ownership of land.

TerraQuest, a land referencing firm, has highlighted several factors that could impact grid connections in the near future. The surge in electric vehicle adoption, projected to increase significantly in the coming years, will put strain on connections for both at-home charging and public charging stations. Additionally, the emergence of power-intensive facilities like data centres and battery storage units will further necessitate new connections and extensive power infrastructure.

With the impending need for numerous new connections and hundreds of miles of power lines and infrastructure, it is crucial for Designated Network Operators (DNOs) to have accurate information regarding land ownership and rights.

Tony Pratt, the Head of Technical Services at TerraQuest, emphasised the importance of a proactive approach to land referencing for grid projects. He explained that securing new rights over land, including the use of Compulsory Acquisition powers, requires a comprehensive understanding of land ownership and any associated restrictions.

Pratt stated, “Land referencing is a continuous process that involves thorough research into ownership and usage restrictions of all land involved in a project. Without up-to-date information on the status of affected land, there is a risk of delays in acquiring rights. This becomes a significant concern when dealing with numerous plots of land, potentially leading to costly setbacks.”

In light of the urgent need to accelerate new grid connections, Pratt stressed the critical role of specialist researchers in ensuring efficient delivery of upgraded grid infrastructure.

Image of Tony Pratt courtesy of TerraQuest