The National Electricity System Operator (NESO) is under pressure to ensure a stable fortnight for Gate 2 grid connection applications, as technical glitches continue to plague its queue reform process. Trade associations, including RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables, have collectively urged NESO to provide this window of uninterrupted operation, citing persistent issues since the evidence submission portal launched on 8 July.
The portal, designed to manage a significant overhaul of the UK’s connections queueing system, has faced multiple technical difficulties, prompting NESO to extend the original 29 July evidence submission deadline by at least five working days. Despite deploying a tracking tool and daily briefings to address queries, industry representatives argue that the current extension is insufficient.
Barnaby Wharton, RenewableUK’s director of future electricity systems, emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues. “Although the efforts to date are welcome, major issues remain which are preventing our members from submitting applications for grid connections for their projects,” he stated. Wharton stressed the need for a two-week issue-free period, citing both practical and legal requirements.
In their joint letter to NESO, RenewableUK, Solar Energy UK, Scottish Renewables, Regen, and the Electricity Storage Network argued that the five-day extension is unlikely to accommodate all companies wishing to submit applications without hindrance. They highlighted the risks to clean power delivery and investor confidence posed by an incorrectly reordered connections queue.
NESO acknowledged the frustration caused by these technical issues and apologized for the inconvenience. A spokesperson reiterated their commitment to resolving the problems swiftly, emphasizing the importance of connections reform in upgrading Britain’s electricity system and achieving Clean Power by 2030. They also noted the potential economic benefits, including up to £40bn worth of annual investment.
This situation underscores the complexities of modernizing energy infrastructure and the delicate balance between technological advancements and operational stability. The outcome of this process could significantly influence the trajectory of the UK’s renewable energy sector, affecting everything from investor confidence to the pace of decarbonization. As the industry watches closely, NESO’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in shaping the future of the country’s energy landscape.