More than 200 projects have connections dates brought forwards

More than 200 projects with a combined capacity of 7.8GW have had their connection dates brought forwards.

Networks have been able to offer the accelerated connection dates under the Technical Limits programme, which is allowing projects to connect to lower voltage distribution networks prior to reinforcement of the high voltage transmission network.

Some of the 203 projects to receive new connection dates will now connect to the grid a decade earlier than previously planned. On average, connection dates have been reduced by 6.5 years.

In total 393 projects are eligible for an accelerated connection date under the Technical Limits programme with the further 190 projects in line to receive accelerated offers once they have progressed through the connection offer process.

To deliver the accelerated offers, DNOs carried out analysis of power flows across Grid Supply Points (GSPs) where the transmission network connects to the distribution network.

By agreeing new power flow limits DNOs have been able to offer selected projects an accelerated connection date before transmission network reinforcements are complete, on the agreement that the DNO can limit flows from the project under certain operating conditions.

The 203 connection offers that have been issued in the first phase have an average export curtailment of 22% per year with the expectation that in the long term these interim arrangements will be replaced as network capacity increases.

Alice Delahunty, President of National Grid Electricity Transmission added: “Connecting projects to our transmission network, and unlocking capacity at lower voltage distribution networks, is a massive priority for us.

“The Technical Limits programme is a fantastic example of cross industry collaboration. This team effort has delivered an innovative solution to connect schemes more quickly. We’re pleased to see the first project connect earlier than expected and look forward to many more.

“It forms part of a wider range of measures to help connect projects faster, including upgrading the grid – the biggest upgrade in a generation – and working collaboratively with industry, government and the regulator on reforms to the connections process.”

Jack Presley Abbott, Ofgem deputy director for strategic planning and connections, added: “We’re now beginning to see the benefits of connections reform initiatives and we welcome the accelerated grid connections that the Technical Limits project is starting to deliver.

“However there is still much more to do. Many projects are still facing years of delay to connect to the grid.

“That’s why we’re continuing to work closely with the ESO, network operators, industry and government to ensure the range of reforms set out in the Connections Action Plan are driven through as quickly and effectively as possible to expedite the process for projects that are ready to connect to the grid.”

The connections queue across transmission and distribution stood at more than 700GW at the beginning of March and is expected to hit 800GW by the end of this year.

The ESO recently updated its ‘First Ready, First Connected’ package of reforms, to allow projects to leapfrog one and other depending on their feasibility to connect.

Utility Week’s brand new Reforming Grid Connections Conference connects developers, DSOs, government and policy makers, leading associations and the supply chain to help shape the future of grid connections, explore untapped potential in the current process, and demonstrate a united front. You can find out more here.