Fast-Track Grid Connections System Unveiled to Accelerate Clean Power Goals by 2030

Radical reforms aimed at expediting the integration of cheaper, cleaner energy into the electricity grid are now closer to realization, according to a recent announcement from Ofgem on February 14, 2025. The proposed new connections system could be implemented by spring 2025, replacing the outdated first-come, first-served approach that has left many clean energy generation and storage projects waiting for up to a decade for grid access.

Under the new proposals, projects that can be operational quickly and are essential for achieving the government’s clean power targets for 2030 will be prioritized. This system will focus on projects deemed “ready” and “needed,” with expedited connection offers expected by the end of this year. The first connections are anticipated to be operational by 2026.

Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s Director General for Infrastructure, emphasized the significance of these changes: “This marks a transformative step in addressing delays and reducing bottlenecks in our current system. It is crucial for achieving the Clean Power mission by 2030. The UK will not attain a clean power grid by 2030 unless we connect an unprecedented volume of new renewable energy and storage solutions to our electricity networks. This is why we are cutting through the red tape and modernizing the connections system.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added, “We have enough energy projects in the grid connection queue to meet our clean power goals by 2030, but many are hindered by speculative schemes, causing delays of up to 10 years. These reforms are vital for delivering clean power by 2030 and are projected to attract around £200 billion in private investment. Our Clean Power Action Plan aims to overhaul the broken ‘first come, first served’ system, ensuring a targeted approach that prioritizes quicker connections for the necessary projects in suitable locations, allowing Britain to advance towards a new era of clean electricity.”

The government’s Clean Power Action Plan mandates that the current grid capacity must double within five years, necessitating unlocked investments, accelerated infrastructure development, and the large-scale deployment of renewable technologies. It is crucial that the most viable and necessary projects are connected to the grid as swiftly as possible.

Ofgem’s recent decisions are intended to eliminate barriers to ending the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels while managing the costs associated with the energy transition for consumers. These proposed reforms stem from over two years of collaboration across the energy sector, including consultations and working groups, which have led to the current proposals submitted to Ofgem by the National Energy System Operator (NESO). This collaboration demonstrates a collective commitment to delivering a more efficient connections process to achieve Clean Power by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Ofgem is inviting feedback from interested parties on these proposals until March 14, 2025.

Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform at NESO, stated, “Today’s preliminary decision reflects the collaborative efforts of NESO and stakeholders across the energy sector, Ofgem, and the Government to reform our connections process. This shared commitment is critical to achieving Clean Power and Net Zero, and we look forward to Ofgem’s final decision later this year.”

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, commented, “ChargeUK’s members are installing charge points at an unprecedented pace, with nearly 75,000 public charging points currently available and a new charger being installed every 25 minutes. To sustain this rapid growth and instill confidence in drivers to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), it is essential for our members to easily secure grid connections and power their installations. Ofgem’s changes to expedite these connections are vital for increasing the number of charging points, especially in high-demand areas, ultimately providing more options for current and future EV drivers.”

Josh Buckland, EDF’s Strategy and Policy Director, remarked, “Timely and secure access to grid connections is essential for accelerating clean power deployment nationwide, enabling households and businesses to utilize homegrown energy. The plans announced today to streamline connection queues and offer more certainty regarding project timelines are a positive development. Given the importance of this issue, we will continue to collaborate with Ofgem to ensure these changes benefit both project developers and investors.”

Notes to Editors: This consultation follows Ofgem’s policy consultation published on November 27, 2024. The consultation period will last for 28 days and will close on March 14. The preliminary decisions are based on a package of code changes and methodologies submitted to Ofgem by NESO on December 20.