The Grid Connections Process is changing – here’s what the changes mean for UK Businesses and Project Developers

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) recently published The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan (CP30) detailing the governments mission to deliver clean power to the UK by 2030. The Action Plan includes several reforms, which are ongoing between January 2025 until May 2025, and will significantly affect the way the grid connections queue is managed, alongside other changes.

The Clean Power Action Plan sets out how to provide power through clean sources in a typical weather year:

• At least as much power as the country consumes over the whole year; and
• 95% of the country’s generation is through low carbon generation
• 5% gas for balancing services

The plan also details the level of ambition for renewable energy generation and energy storage by 2030, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge and importance of timely grid connections:

• Onshore wind: an additional 13-15 gigawatts (GW), doubling current installed capacity;
• Offshore wind: an additional 28-35 GW, tripling current installed capacity;
• Solar: an additional 28-30 GW, tripling current installed capacity;
• Battery storage: an additional 19-23 GW, a five-fold increase in current installed capacity; and
• Long duration electricity storage (such as pumped hydro and liquid air energy storage): an additional 1-3GW, potentially doubling current installed capacity.

At the moment, only projects over 1MW are subject to the new Connections Reforms; although the recommendation for Scotland is that this be also implemented for projects over 100kW.

The reforms also cover demand-only projects, aiming to streamline the connections process for both generation and demand projects. Demand projects, especially those connecting to the transmission network, are considered strategically important due to their size and impact. These projects must meet specific readiness criteria, such as demonstrating land readiness at Gate 2 ^[1].

The main changes effecting project developers involve the way that queue for new grid connections is managed, which will switch from ‘first come, first served’ to ‘ready first, connected first’ system, the idea being to remove speculative applications from the queue. The hope is to substantially reduce connection timeframes.

The queue management reforms mean that:

• Existing grid connection offers will receive preferential treatment on new queue placement
• Projects will be categorised with respect to their readiness from a planning and site design perspective
• The initial batch of projects that will be connected prior to 2027 – Gate 2, will be the projects that have received outline planning consent from their respective local authority
• New applications will require Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) and other technical information to be ready to enter the queue

The requirements for a new generation application include:

• A letter of authority (LoA) and a Heads of Terms (HoT)
• A site layout plan which clearly shows all land relevant to the application detailed in the HoT with asset location
• A detailed engineering design plan which clearly shows all land in the HoT
• Single line diagram of any on-site existing or proposed electrical plant
• A preliminary project timeline  

There are numerous other requirements covering the level of detail included in the single line diagram, which we can cover for clients. The details above are only for generation projects and we will publish more details for demand projects as they become available.

How can Vattenfall IDNO support developers?

Vattenfall IDNO can support UK business and project developers, and help achieve the goals of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan in several ways:

• We will work with developers to ensure that projects meet the new CP30 criteria and provide support throughout the planning and connection process,
• We can help accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects that have clear benefits for the grid and local communities
• Our financial incentives, such as Asset Adoption Value payments, help make new connections more attractive and financially viable for developers
• We can collaborate with Developers and Local Authorities to plan and execute grid expansion projects. We are also able to engage in proactive grid planning to anticipate future energy needs and ensure that the grid is ready to support new renewable energy projects
• We will provide design support where needed, on requirements needed for grid applications
• We can work closely with DNOs from the early stages of a project to identify potential constraints and develop joint solutions. This collaboration can include sharing data, coordinating on grid upgrades, and planning for future capacity needs. By establishing strong relationships with DNOs and participating in regular meetings and working groups, we can ensure that they are aligned with the broader grid strategy and can advocate for the needs of renewable energy projects
• We can reduce delays by providing more responsive customer service and clearer communication channels.
• We foster a culture of innovation by investing in research and development and partnering with technology providers to explore the viability to integrating new, patented technology to overcome grid challenges
• By providing clear and transparent communication about the connection process and potential constraints, we manage expectations, and work with developers to find interim solutions that keep projects moving forward
• Through the implementation of our SCADA system, there is the potential to incentivise customers to participate in demand-side management programs that can help reduce peak demand and create more capacity for renewable energy projects
• We can tailor solutions to specific project needs and explore unconventional methods to overcome technical challenges
• We can offer flexible connection agreements that allow renewable energy projects to connect to the grid in stages or with temporary solutions until permanent capacity is available

If you are unsure how your project will be affected by the changes or would like support to ensure your project/s obtain the best possible position in the queue please contact us directly. Vattenfall IDNO can advise clients on how to safeguard existing connection offers and their respective positions in the connections queue and guide new entrants through the process.

Notes:

[1] Gate 2 is the phase in the grid connection process where the detailed design, technical specifications, and accurate cost estimates for the connection are finalised and presented for approval.