A substantial effort to streamline the UK’s grid connectivity process has resulted in the elimination of 10GW of ‘zombie’ electricity projects from the queue. These projects, lacking essential land rights and planning consents, have been hindering more viable developments. The recent removal is part of a strategy led by the Electricity Network Association. Further reforms are ongoing to enhance coordination across transmission and distribution networks.
A significant step has been taken to ease the UK’s grid connection backlog. The Energy Networks Association has announced the removal of 10GW worth of ‘zombie’ projects—those without the necessary land rights or planning approvals—from the grid connection queue. These projects had been obstructing the path for more feasible and advanced energy developments.
A report previously commissioned by Centrica highlighted the concerns surrounding these non-viable projects, which accounted for approximately 62GW, or nearly 20% of all projects in the grid connection queue. Their presence threatened the UK’s energy security by blocking the integration of newer, more realistic projects.
The formation of the Strategic Connections Group by the Electricity Network Association is pivotal in this development. This initiative has worked alongside network operators, regulators, and the system operator to clear the grid queue and introduce renewable energy sources more effectively into the UK grid. Collaboration between these entities is expected to continue, focusing on further aligning the transmission and distribution networks to better manage future energy demands.
Key measures are being employed to ensure that projects within the queue are meeting their contract milestones. Collaborative efforts between network companies and developers aim to address delays and facilitate project progression. Should a project stall completely, it is promptly removed from the queue, and connection contracts are terminated, thereby freeing up capacity for more promising ventures.
In a shift from the previous ‘first-come, first-served’ method, Ofgem enforced stricter milestones last year, compelling projects to demonstrate progress if they wish to remain in the queue. This decision followed calls from electricity networks commissioner Nick Winser for more rapid development of clean electricity transmission infrastructure. Currently, such processes can span 12 to 14 years, underscoring the need for urgent reform.
Energy Networks Association chief executive Lawrence Slade remarked that while removing stalled schemes is crucial, it is merely a part of the overall solution. The organisation’s ongoing efforts include close coordination of connection processes with the government and regulatory bodies, aimed at preparing the planning system for the future demands of the UK’s clean energy objectives.
The removal of these ‘zombie’ projects marks a necessary advance towards more efficient and sustainable grid connectivity in the UK.
