Grid connection and energy storage delays are impacting decarbonisation plans

30 May Grid connection and energy storage delays are impacting decarbonisation plans

UK Government representatives believe slow grid connection and a lack of structured planning for energy storage must change to enable the electrification of the national energy system or potentially fail to achieve our net zero goals.

The Environmental Audit Committee report found many renewable energy projects are facing consistent challenges with electricity grid access. These issues include slow connections, limited capacity, inappropriate planning rules and uncertainty associated with the market.

The demand for grid access remains high, with the existing queue to connect containing more than twice the generation needed to achieve the government’s target of decarbonising the energy system by 2035. Those project’s unable to access the grid could make the target challenging
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Ofgem and the Electricity System Operator (ESO) are trying to accelerate the system by ensuring projects meet vital milestones, such as securing planning permission. Businesses that fail to achieve these goals could lose their place. However, the Committee report suggested that early evidence shows the changes haven’t reduced the connection queue.

The Committee recommends that the Government and Ofgem closely monitor and streamline plans to generate faster grid connections. In particular, the guide recommends Ofgem review its milestone queue reforms, focusing on supporting clear and ready projects to the front of the queue. The report also showed that the planning system risks being a significant barrier to the progression of energy infrastructure, as local authorities often lack the resources or knowledge to accelerate clean energy and battery storage projects.

The Committee recommends that the Government create a plan to ensure local authorities have the people and expertise required to make planning decisions quickly while continuing to engage with local communities. Philip Dunne, chair of the EAC, believes that the focus on decarbonising the electricity grid by 2035, increasing capacity by over 250%, is one of the most ambitious tasks taken by any Government today. Dunne explains that there is no evidence that it is achievable any earlier than stated and will require considerable planning and significant investment support.

There is considerable demand from companies to secure access to the grid, and as green technology improves and becomes more accessible, this will continue to increase. The latest announcement by the National Grid to invest £30 billion in UK energy network infrastructure is a positive sign towards securing a decarbonised grid. Reaching this goal will require significant investment and a concerted effort from the entire energy system.

Dunne believes that after the election, the Government must prioritise these concerns and create a clear strategy to balance net zero goals with delivering a secure energy supply.