Grid connections reform plans move step closer

Radical reforms to the grid connection system have been given provisional approval by the regulator.

The changes, which could be in place in spring 2025, would end the first-come, first-served approach where generation or storage projects cannot get plugged into the grid quickly enough.

In future projects would be fast-tracked if they can be operational quickly and are needed to hit the government’s clean power targets for 2030.

Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s Director General for Infrastructure, said: “This is a step change in tackling delays and shortening queues on what is currently an outdated and unwieldy system.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. 

“Britain will not get a clean power grid by 2030 unless an unprecedented volume of new renewable power and storage is connected to electricity networks – that’s why we’re cutting back the red tape and replacing the out-of-date connections system.”