This article has been provided by Matthew Ling, business development director at Leep Utilities.
When the National Energy System Operator (NESO) announced a new pipeline of deliverable energy projects at the end of last year, it was the next step in a massive overhaul of the grid connection process.
The biggest change grid connection in decadesNESO’s shift from a first‑come, first‑served model to a first‑ready and needed, first‑connected approach represents the most significant overhaul of the grid connection process in years.
The need for reform was clear: capacity hoggers with no genuine projects would secure a 100 MVA connection, then attempt to sell it on at inflated values. These companies would often lack the knowledge and expertise of more experienced partners, for example trying to sell export‑only connections as import connections. This was leaving legitimate developments, with planning permission, funding, and construction teams ready to mobilise, stuck waiting years for grid...