Clean Power by 2030 One Step Closer as New Fast-Track Grid Connections System is Unveiled

Radical reforms aimed at expediting the integration of cheaper, cleaner energy into the electricity grid are now closer to reality, as announced by Ofgem today (February 14th). The proposed connections system is expected to be implemented by spring 2025, replacing the current first-come, first-served approach, which has left many clean energy generation or storage projects waiting for a decade or more to connect to the grid.

Under the new proposals, projects that are ready to become operational quickly and are deemed essential for meeting the government’s clean power targets for 2030 will be prioritized. This system will accelerate the connection process, with new offers expected to be made by the end of the year and the first projects anticipated to be connected and operational by 2026.

Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s Director General for Infrastructure, stated, “This represents a significant shift in addressing delays and reducing the backlog associated with the current, outdated system. It is crucial for achieving the Clean Power mission by 2030. Britain will not achieve a clean power grid by 2030 unless we connect an unprecedented amount of new renewable energy and storage to the electricity networks. We are cutting through red tape and overhauling the outdated connections system.”

The reforms will not only enhance connections for renewable energy projects but will also facilitate connections for public services, including housing, hospitals, EV charging stations, and new industries like data centers, which are vital for economic growth.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband commented, “We have enough energy projects queued for grid connection to achieve clean power by 2030, but many are stuck behind speculative schemes, delaying progress by up to ten years. These reforms are essential for realizing clean power by 2030, which is projected to attract around £200 billion in private investment. Our Clean Power Action Plan will address the flawed ‘first-come, first-served’ system, allowing for a targeted approach that prioritizes quicker connections for the right projects in optimal locations. This will accelerate Britain towards a new era of clean electricity.”

The Government’s Clean Power Action Plan mandates that current grid capacity must double within five years, necessitating significant investment, expedited infrastructure development, and large-scale adoption of renewable technologies. Thus, it is imperative to connect the most viable and essential projects promptly.

Ofgem’s preliminary decisions aim to dismantle obstacles to ending Britain’s reliance on fossil fuels while keeping the costs of the energy transition manageable for consumers. These proposed reforms are the culmination of over two years of collaboration within the energy sector, including consultations, code modification working groups, and broader engagement, resulting in proposals submitted to Ofgem by the National Energy System Operator (NESO). This collaboration underscores the collective commitment across the energy sector to establish a more efficient connections process to achieve Clean Power by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Ofgem is inviting feedback from interested parties regarding the consultation, which will close on March 14, 2025.

Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform at NESO, remarked, “Today’s preliminary decision reflects the collaborative efforts of NESO, Ofgem, and government entities to reform our existing connections process. Our shared dedication to delivering a new, more efficient connections process is vital for achieving Clean Power and Net Zero. We look forward to Ofgem’s final decision later this year.”

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, emphasized the importance of rapid deployment of charging infrastructure, stating, “ChargeUK’s members are installing charge points at an unprecedented rate, with nearly 75,000 public charge points already operational and a new charger being added every 25 minutes. To maintain this pace and instill confidence in drivers to switch to electric vehicles, it must be as quick and straightforward as possible for our members to secure grid connections. The changes by Ofgem to expedite these connections will be crucial in establishing more charge points, particularly where they are most needed, thereby offering more options to today’s EV drivers and accommodating the millions of additional EVs expected on our roads in the coming years.”

Josh Buckland, EDF’s strategy and policy director, added, “Timely and secure access to grid connections is essential for accelerating the deployment of clean power nationwide, enabling households and businesses to benefit from locally generated energy. The plans unveiled today to streamline connection queues and provide greater certainty about project timelines are a welcome advancement. Given the critical nature of this issue, we will continue collaborating with Ofgem to ensure these reforms are beneficial for project developers and investors alike.”

Notes to Editors

The consultation follows a policy consultation published by Ofgem on November 27, 2024. It will remain open for 28 days, closing on March 14. The preliminary decisions represent Ofgem’s initial stance on the package of code changes and methodologies proposed by NESO on December 20.

For more information, please visit Ofgem’s website.