Great Britain Unveils Plans for Faster Grid Connections

Renewable energy projects overcome many hurdles to be safely consented… only to face a long wait to be connected to the grid. Ofgem have released plans to ensure projects that are ready to go can be connected to the grid faster to reach goals of reducing the UK’s carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.

First Ready, First Connected

The current system employs a first come first served process, resulting in some projects (even if ready) facing a wait of up to 10 years to be connected to the grid [1].  The new system proposes a system where projects that are ready will be streamlined to the front of the queue: first-ready-first-connected. If successfully implemented, the first wave of priority projects could be up and running by 2026 [2]. 

Additional Improvements

In addition to a new streamlined process, an overhaul to the system will see the approval process for large-scale projects like Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects also fast-tracked by making consultation less “burdensome, strengthening guidance and updating policy at least every five years to reflect priorities for infrastructure delivery.” [3]

The Public

Schemes have also been proposed by the government, such as reduced bills of up to £2,500 across 10 years for residents living within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity pylons. For companies building new or upgrading existing pylons, affected communities will receive funds for local projects such as sports clubs or leisure facilities [3].

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References

Figure 1: Антон Дмитриев August 2020. Last accessed on 17th March 2025. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-red-and-black-jacket-wearing-orange-helmet-Q3WVbAfdOoY

[1] https://www.enerdata.net/publications/daily-energy-news/uk-unveils-plan-fast-track-grid-connection-renewable-projects.html

[2] https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/post/ofgem-unveils-bold-plan-to-fast-track-clean-energy-grid-connections

[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britons-living-near-new-pylons-get-energy-bill-discounts-2025-03-10/