E+T Editorial Team Mon 17 Feb 2025
Collected at: https://eandt.theiet.org/2025/02/17/ofgem-overhauls-grid-connection-system-speed-clean-energy-projects
“Radical” reform of the process allowing new energy facilities to connect to the grid has been announced by regulator Ofgem.
The new connections system, which could be in place in spring 2025, would end the first-come, first-served system where clean energy generation or storage projects sometimes have to wait years before being allowed to connect.
The new proposals will see connections fast-tracked if they can be operational quickly and contribute to the government’s plan to decarbonise the UK’s energy system by 2030. This new system – which prioritises projects that are “ready” and “needed” – would see accelerated offers made by the end of the year, with the first connected and operational from 2026.
The UK is building huge amounts of new renewable energy facilities, led by a series of major wind power projects that are ultimately designed to wean the network off fossil fuels entirely.
The government’s Clean Power Action Plan requires current capacity on the grid to double within five years, requiring investment to be unlocked, new infrastructure to be accelerated and renewable technology to be brought in at scale.
But a report last year suggested that the grid was not ready for the major influx of green energy coming online in the next few years. BloombergNEF data suggests that for every pound invested in renewable energy the UK should be investing at least £1 in the grid – but the current ratio is more like 25p to every £1.
“This is a step change in tackling delays and shortening queues on what is currently an outdated and unwieldy system. It is key to achieving the Clean Power mission by 2030,” said Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s director general for infrastructure.
“Radical” reform of the process allowing new energy facilities to connect to the grid has been announced by regulator Ofgem.
The new connections system, which could be in place in spring 2025, would end the first-come, first-served system where clean energy generation or storage projects sometimes have to wait years before being allowed to connect.
The new proposals will see connections fast-tracked if they can be operational quickly and contribute to the government’s plan to decarbonise the UK’s energy system by 2030. This new system – which prioritises projects that are “ready” and “needed” – would see accelerated offers made by the end of the year, with the first connected and operational from 2026.
The UK is building huge amounts of new renewable energy facilities, led by a series of major wind power projects that are ultimately designed to wean the network off fossil fuels entirely.
The government’s Clean Power Action Plan requires current capacity on the grid to double within five years, requiring investment to be unlocked, new infrastructure to be accelerated and renewable technology to be brought in at scale.
But a report last year suggested that the grid was not ready for the major influx of green energy coming online in the next few years. BloombergNEF data suggests that for every pound invested in renewable energy the UK should be investing at least £1 in the grid – but the current ratio is more like 25p to every £1.
“This is a step change in tackling delays and shortening queues on what is currently an outdated and unwieldy system. It is key to achieving the Clean Power mission by 2030,” said Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s director general for infrastructure.
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