Clean energy projects to be prioritised for grid connections

Businesses that deliver clean energy are to be prioritised for connection to the grid.

Currently, companies are waiting up to 15 years to be connected to the grid, leaving promising businesses 'grid-locked'. Over the last five years, the grid connection queue has grown tenfold.

It is hoped the changes will help to kick-start the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: "Too many companies are facing gridlock because they cannot get the clean energy they need to drive growth and create jobs.

"These changes will axe ‘zombie’ projects and cut the time it takes to get high growth firms online while also fast-tracking connections for companies delivering homegrown power and energy security through our Plan for Change.

"In an uncertain world, our message to the global clean energy industry is clear; come and build it in Britain because we are a safe haven. If you want certainty, stability and security when it comes to your investments, choose Britain."

Ofgem CEO, Jonathan Brearley said: "The proposed connection reforms will supercharge Great Britain’s clean power ambitions with a more targeted approach anticipated to unlock £40 billion a year of investment and energise economic growth.   

"The reforms would cut through red tape, consign ‘zombie projects’ to the past and accelerate homegrown renewable power and energy storage connections as we head to 2030.   

"Houses and hospitals, electric vehicle charging stations, data centres and the emerging AI sector, would also all benefit from the proposed streamlined fast-track approach, which would help boost energy security and drive down bills."