Grid connections applications have continued to grow over the last year to the point that it is no longer possible to deliver connections reforms in parallel with the existing connections process. In 2023/24 alone, NESO, the National Energy System Operator for Great Britain, received over 1,700 applications to connect to the national electricity transmission system, leaving more projects already in the queue than are required for the energy system in 2030 or even 2050.
The next phase in reforming the management of electricity grid connections in Great Britain will lay the foundations for an efficient and future ready connections process that can deliver clean power and economic growth.
Pausing connection applications
Following approval from the energy regulator, Ofgem, NESO will implement new arrangements which will 'pause' applications received as of 29 January. This arrangement will enable resources to be dedicated to delivery of connections reforms at pace across 2025.
There will be exceptions to this arrangement to support wider GB energy needs and economic growth. Demand projects directly connecting to the national electricity transmission network (typically large industrial and commercial units), will be allowed to continue through the connections process, to support the continued delivery of Great Britain’s industrial development.
A new connections process
As part of the connections reforms planned for 2025, a new connections process will be implemented, subject to Ofgem's approval. Future projects will apply to join the national electricity transmission system during designated windows, and will be required to meet key progress milestones, ensuring projects that are ready to progress can move forward. This will underpin a strategic connections process that is fit for purpose to drive innovation, support growth, and deliver clean power for the nation.
Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform, NESO
'This transitional arrangement is critical to delivering the connections reforms we will deliver this year. 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. 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.'
'We will work closely with industry, Government, the Regulator and network companies throughout this process to help ensure a smooth transition to the new connections process in 2025.'
Christianna Logan, Director of Customers and Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission, said:
'We're looking forward to working with NESO and our customers to implement the next stage of Connections Reform over the coming months. 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.'
View our open letter to industry and our legal letter of comfort to Ofgem.
Source: NESO
