The UK energy regulator, Ofgem, has expressed concerns about a plan by the Electricity System Operator (ESO) aimed at accelerating the connection of renewable projects to the national grid.
Ofgem’s criticism, outlined in an open letter, suggests that the proposed reforms will not effectively secure the necessary projects to achieve the government’s 2030 clean power targets.
The energy regulator said: “It is increasingly clear that the TMO4+ reforms – as currently proposed – will not be effective in securing this.
“The ESO’s RFI was issued to developers on 28th May 2024 and closed on 28th June 2024.
“The results show that while the current proposals would likely reduce the size of the queue significantly, there is a risk that the reduction would not be sufficient, and would be unlikely to deliver a technology mix that aligns with what Great Britain is forecast to need to deliver a secure, clean energy system in 2030 or even 2050.
“Greater certainty in the projects that will be connected will provide increased certainty for network owners to invest in and build the requisite network needed, and so to connect customers in a timely fashion.”
Renewable energy projects in the UK are facing wait times of up to 15 years to connect to the electricity grid.
At a recent parliamentary session on energy sector decarbonisation, it was noted that the grid is heavily constrained.
