Scottish Renewables responds to Connections Reform result
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has today (December 8) confirmed the delivery pipeline of energy projects that will be prioritised for connection to the electricity network.
The Connections Reform process, designed to re-order renewable energy projects which are ready and needed to hit the UK’s clean power targets for 2030 and beyond, is expected to unlock £40 billion of annual investment in clean energy.
The new connections process will prioritise grid connections for the clean energy generation and storage projects that will be delivered to meet our 2030 clean power target which is based on what is needed rather than what is available.
The current approach has seen a ten-fold increase for grid connections over the past five years to more than 700MW - around four times more than is needed across Great Britain by 2030.
For nearly three years, Scottish Renewables has worked closely with NESO and all key stakeholders on this major reform of the connections process.
Commenting, Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:
“A key barrier to the investment and deployment of clean power has been the time taken for projects to secure a grid connection. The changes announced today recognise this issue and will help to bring more stable power costs to the public quicker by enabling faster energy network connections.
“Our grid is a critical UK infrastructure asset and getting it fit for the future, as well connecting projects in the right places at the right time and at as low a cost as possible, is essential to our long-term energy security.
“Creating the best possible conditions to build and invest in Scotland is paramount for the realisation of our clean power ambitions. We will continue to work with government to optimise the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan and take the measures needed to enhance the viability of Scottish projects for the benefit of the whole country.”
Ends
Notes to editors