The UK is one step closer to achieving its clean power target for 2030, as Ofgem unveiled a radical proposal to fast-track grid connections for renewable energy projects. The new system, set to be in place by spring 2025, will replace the current first-come, first-served approach, which has caused significant delays, with some projects waiting over a decade to connect to the grid. 5h1o6g

Under the new proposals, projects that are ready to operate quickly and are essential for reaching the government’s clean power targets for 2030 will be fast-tracked. The system will prioritise these “ready” and “needed” projects, with new offers set to be made by the end of the year, and the first connections expected to be operational from 2026.

Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s Director General for Infrastructure, said that “this marks a significant shift in addressing delays and reducing backlogs in the outdated system. It is crucial to achieving the Clean Power mission by 2030. Britain will not achieve a clean power grid by 2030 unless a vast volume of new renewable power and storage is integrated into the electricity network. That’s why we’re cutting through red tape and replacing the current system.”

For his part, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated: “We have enough energy projects queued for connection to deliver clean power by 2030, but many are delayed by speculative schemes, causing waits of up to 10 years. These reforms are essential to meeting our clean power targets, which will unlock an estimated £200 billion in private investment.”

“Our Clean Power Action Plan will fix the broken ‘first come, first served’ system, prioritising quicker connections for the right projects in the right locations, propelling Britain towards a new era of clean electricity”,  Miliband added.

The Government’s Clean Power Action Plan outlines the need to double current grid capacity within five years, requiring unlocked investment, accelerated infrastructure, and the large-scale deployment of renewable technologies. Thus, it’s critical to connect the most viable and necessary projects as swiftly as possible.

Ofgem’s decisions aim to break down barriers to eliminating the UK’s fossil fuel dependence, while keeping the energy transition costs manageable for consumers.

These proposed reforms come after over two years of consultations, code modifications, and collaboration across the energy sector, including work with the National Energy System Operator (NESO). This commitment reflects the sector’s dedication to delivering a more efficient connections process to meet the Clean Power and Net Zero goals by 2030 and 2050.