Aggreko has urged the UK to use bridging power solutions to overcome grid connection delays that could undermine the government’s new onshore wind strategy.
The strategy aims to unlock up to 10GW of new capacity, with Ofgem committing to stricter obligations and incentives for network companies to reduce connection timescales of up to five years.
Aggreko welcomed the plan but warned that projects could miss key milestones without practical measures to speed up commissioning and tackle grid bottlenecks during construction.
Alan Dunne, UK and Ireland managing director at Aggreko, said: “The Government’s renewed focus on onshore wind is a positive step forward that should definitely be welcomed. However, the reality is that many projects are still being held back by long grid connection delays before they’re even able to get into commissioning.
“Bridging power solutions can play a vital role in keeping projects on track, powering construction sites and enabling commissioning while developers wait for permanent grid access.”
Aggreko said high-voltage power packages consisting of Stage V generators, transformers and load banks allow commissioning in the absence of a grid connection, while HVO-fuelled generators and battery storage systems can minimise emissions and noise during construction.
The company highlighted investment of $200m in BESS in 2024 under its Energising Change framework, aimed at expanding greener solutions.
Dunne added: “If we are serious about accelerating the UK’s clean energy transition, we must ensure that infrastructure projects are not stalled by avoidable delays. In these circumstances, bridging power is not just a stopgap, but a key strategic tool.”