UK speeds up the connection process for 8GW of clean energy capacity

Electricity networks across England and Wales have facilitated the advancement of grid connection offer dates for nearly 8GW of clean and renewable energy projects. Over 200 projects, amounting to a capacity of 7.8GW, have had their connection offer dates accelerated by up to 10 years through the Technical Limits program.

This initiative allows projects to connect to lower voltage distribution networks prior to the reinforcement of the high voltage transmission network. To date, networks have extended offers to 203 projects totaling 7.8GW, with an average acceleration of 6.5 years. In total, 393 schemes are eligible for the program, with an additional 190 developments poised to receive accelerated offers as they progress through the connection offer process.

Last month, a significant milestone was reached as a solar farm near Bridgwater in Somerset became the inaugural project to be energized under this scheme. The Horsey Levels solar farm successfully connected to the National Grid’s electricity distribution network well ahead of its original planned connection date.

This initial acceleration marks the commencement of the first phase of the Technical Limits program, with subsequent phases and analyses in the pipeline. The program, a collaborative effort involving National Grid Electricity Transmission, Energy Networks Association, the Electricity System Operator, and distribution network operators (DNOs), aligns with ongoing industry endeavors, in conjunction with Ofgem and government, to expedite and reform grid connections.

Furthermore, Scottish Transmission and Distribution network owners have actively contributed to the development of the Technical Limits program and are in the process of implementing the program within their licensed areas.

Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Justin Tomlinson, lauded the collective efforts behind this initiative, emphasizing that over 200 clean energy projects will now connect to the grid earlier, thereby facilitating access to cleaner and more affordable electricity for households and businesses.

By establishing new power flow limits, DNOs have been able to offer selected projects accelerated connection dates, even before transmission network reinforcements are finalized, under the condition that the DNO can manage flows from the project under specific operational conditions. The 203 connection offers issued in the first phase entail an average export curtailment of 22% per year, with the anticipation that these interim arrangements will eventually be superseded as network capacity expands.

President of National Grid Electricity Transmission, Alice Delahunty, commended the Technical Limits program as a prime example of cross-industry collaboration, showcasing an innovative solution to expedite project connections. Likewise, Energy Networks Association chief executive, Lawrence Slade, underscored the significant strides made through coordinated efforts and innovation, emphasizing the need for strategic changes, particularly in planning processes, to further accelerate the pace of new connections in response to burgeoning demand.