National Electricity System Operator (NESO) has unveiled a revamped pipeline of shovel-ready projects, set to revolutionise the connection process to Great Britain’s electricity networks. This overhaul prioritises 283GW of generation and storage, alongside 99GW of transmission demand, marking a significant shift from the previous first-come, first-served model. The new system focuses on projects aligned with national energy targets and ready-to-build status, aiming to cut grid bottlenecks and unlock billions in clean energy investment.
Kayte O’Neill, chief operating officer at NESO, emphasised the importance of this transformation: “Transforming the grid connections process is a vital first step in unlocking the capacity needs for a secure, affordable energy transition. These changes will cut grid bottlenecks by prioritising ready-to-build projects, giving certainty about when and where they can connect and unlocking billions in clean energy investment.”
Energy secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the systemic issues the reforms address: “We inherited a broken system where zombie projects were allowed to hold up grid connections for viable projects that will bring investment, jobs and economic growth. To fix this we embarked on ambitious, once in a generation reforms to clean up the queue and prioritise the projects that are ready to help us deliver clean power by 2030.”
Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley noted the collaborative effort behind the changes: “Together we’ve cleared the gridlock and created a new pipeline that prioritises the projects Britain needs most. We are building grids as fast as the sector possibly can, while ensuring generation gets connected.”
Chris Stark, head of mission control for Clean Power 2030, hailed the overhaul as a pivotal step towards a clean power system: “This overhaul of the connections process is the single most important step we will take towards a clean power system. The energy projects our country needs now have the green light to deploy at a pace we haven’t seen for decades.”
Clare Jackson, chief executive of Hydrogen UK, welcomed the reforms, highlighting hydrogen’s role in the UK’s Clean Power ambitions: “We are pleased to see the results of NESO’s Connections Reform. Hydrogen has an important role in the UK’s Clean Power ambitions, supporting energy demand while driving industrial decarbonisation.”
Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, stressed the importance of a stable and secure energy system: “A stable, secure energy system depends on ensuring that we can connect more clean power generation to our grid in the coming years. Addressing the issues in the connections queue is critically important and today marks an important milestone.”
Lawrence Slade, chief executive of ENA, commented on the broader implications for the energy sector: “This announcement from NESO marks a pivotal moment for the energy sector as a whole. Ultimately, this reformed connections process will mean fair and faster connections for GB customers.”
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, highlighted the impact on businesses: “For too long, businesses have been impacted by lengthy queues to get connected to the grid, holding firms back as they look to expand or decarbonise.”
This reform could significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects, fostering a more dynamic and efficient energy landscape. By prioritising ready-to-build projects, the new system aims to streamline the connection process, reduce delays, and attract substantial investment in clean energy. The reforms also underscore the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders, including government, regulators, and industry leaders, in driving the energy transition forward. As the sector adapts to these changes, the focus will be on ensuring that the new pipeline delivers on its promise of a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future.