NESO Unveils Reform for Grid Connections

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In an exciting development for the future of clean energy in Great Britain, the National Electricity System Operator (NESO), in collaboration with key transmission owners including SSEN, Scottish Power Network, and National Grid Electricity Transmission, has announced a pivotal step towards reforming the management of electricity grid connections. This initiative aims to establish a more efficient and future-ready connections process, contingent upon Ofgem’s approval, which is crucial for delivering both clean power and economic growth.

The urgency for reform stems from a significant increase in grid connection applications. In the 2023/24 period alone, NESO received an astounding 1,700 queue applications, revealing a backlog that far exceeds the requirements of the energy system projected for 2030 and even 2050. Such overwhelming demand highlights the necessity for a transformative approach in managing grid connections, as the current process is no longer capable of accommodating the scale of applications being submitted.

To effectively navigate this challenge, NESO has determined that a fresh starting point is essential for the connections process. This new approach will enable NESO, along with Transmission Owners and Distribution Network Operators, to concentrate on preparing for the forthcoming Connections Reform framework. The goal is to ensure that all projects can join this new framework on equal terms, thereby fostering a more equitable and streamlined process.

Once approved, NESO plans to implement transitional arrangements that will see a temporary suspension of applications submitted after Wednesday, 29 January 2025. However, it is important to note that there will be exceptions to this pause, allowing for the accommodation of broader energy needs across Great Britain and fostering economic growth.

Under the planned connections reforms, future projects will be required to apply for integration into the national electricity transmission system during designated windows. This structured approach is designed to enhance the efficiency of the connections process, ensuring that projects that are ready for progression are prioritised to meet the urgent demands for clean energy generation by 2030.

Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform at NESO, emphasised the significance of this transitional arrangement, stating, “This transitional arrangement is critical to delivering the connections reforms we will implement later this year, subject to Ofgem approval. It’s a significant step forward in changing the grid connections process for the better. Our reforms prioritise projects which are ready to progress, and which are needed to deliver clean power by 2030.”

He elaborated further, “To reorder the queue, we need to start from a stable base. This short pause in applications will allow us to work with colleagues across the network companies to prepare for the new processes we need to bring forward the electricity projects needed for the delivery of clean power by 2030 and beyond.”

Christianna Logan, Director of Customers and Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission, echoed this sentiment, saying, “These arrangements are needed to give our customers time to have a signed connection offer in place when the implementation stage of the process begins later this year.”

John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid Electricity Transmission, added, “Connections reform is progressing well and this short pause proposed by NESO will help to ensure that existing applications are processed at pace, and that industry is on the surest footing to implement a new process that is fit for the future.” He stressed the collaborative effort, stating, “It shows that collectively with government and Ofgem, our industry is delivering the change that is needed to get the right projects connected at the right time as part of a strategically planned net zero electricity network.”

Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, also weighed in on the importance of these reforms, remarking, “Making the connection queue more efficient is essential to ensure the successful electrification of the UK economy. This is a key step in that journey, and we will work with the NESO, our customers and stakeholders to ensure new green energy projects that Britain needs will be connected to the grid as quickly and effectively as possible.”

As the UK continues its ambitious journey towards achieving net zero emissions, these developments represent a significant milestone in ensuring that the energy infrastructure can keep pace with the growing demand for renewable energy sources. The collaboration between various stakeholders underscores a collective commitment to creating a more resilient and responsive energy network, one that is essential for supporting the nation’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

In conclusion, the proposed reforms by NESO are set to transform the grid connection process, making it more efficient and capable of supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions. By focusing on a structured approach and prioritising ready-to-progress projects, the industry aims to streamline connections and enhance the overall effectiveness of the electricity transmission system. As we await Ofgem’s approval, the commitment from all parties involved promises a brighter, greener future for energy in Great Britain.

Clean Energy Transition

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