The UK is changing its electricity grid connection process to prioritise clean energy projects and create billions in private investment
These new changes are expected to be confirmed by energy regulator Ofgem and aim to accelerate access to the grid for projects that will deliver homegrown renewable power and drive economic growth.
Long waits for grid connectivity
Currently, businesses can face up to 15 years of waiting for a grid connection. Over the past five years, the queue has grown even more, creating a major halt for clean energy projects and development.
The changes will remove inactive or so-called “zombie” projects from the queue, making way for firms ready to build and aligned with the UK’s strategic energy goals.
These changes that support growth are expected to unlock around £40 billion in private investment annually. Since July 2024, £43.7 billion in private clean energy investments have been announced, a clear sign that investor confidence in the sector is growing.
Limited access to grid connectivity
One of the biggest challenges facing high-growth sectors like data centres, AI, wind, and solar power has been limited access to electricity grid connections.
New commitments to the UK’s data infrastructure alone have reached £35 billion since mid-2024. However, many projects have come to a halt due to connection delays. The reform system will prioritise these future-focused industries, fast-tracking connections and ensuring they can contribute to the UK’s clean energy transition.
The Government’s goals to improve energy security within the UK
This new approach is designed to drive investment and enhance the UK’s energy security.
By increasing access to renewable, homegrown energy, the changes will reduce reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets. The goal is to build an energy system that lowers household bills long-term while also delivering sustainable, affordable power for homes, hospitals, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies.
The Government is also pushing forward the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to provide legislative support for Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to deliver the reforms.
By taking a more strategic, planned approach to grid development, the UK expects to avoid tens of billions of pounds in unnecessary grid reinforcement costs, saving billpayers an estimated £5 billion.
The Clean Power Action Plan projects that achieving clean power by 2030 will require an average of £40 billion in investment annually from 2025 to 2030. This includes £30 billion for energy generation assets and £10 billion for transmission network upgrades.
Many important projects and investments have already been announced supporting this vision.
National Grid’s Eastern Green Link 2 is British history’s largest investment in electricity transmission infrastructure. Banks and financial institutions have pledged billions toward retrofitting social housing, flexible power generation, and battery storage systems. Renewable developers, such as OnPath and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, also commit to large-scale solar and storage projects nationwide.
These changes the UK government is implementing show a shift in the UK’s energy strategy, making the UK a global hub for clean energy investment and innovation. By unlocking faster fair grid access, the Government hopes to drive forward its clean energy goals, strengthen national security, and lay the foundations for a more resilient and affordable energy system.
