Following approval from the energy regulator Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) will “pause” grid connection applications received as of Wednesday 29 January 2025.
This arrangement will enable resources to be dedicated to delivery of connections reforms at pace across 2025, NESO said.
As part of the connections reforms planned for 2025, a new connections process will be implemented following final regulatory approval by Ofgem.
Future projects will apply to join the national electricity transmission system during designated windows, and will be required to meet key progress milestones, ensuring only viable projects can move forward.
This will underpin a strategic connections process that is fit for purpose to drive innovation, support growth, and deliver clean power for the nation, NESO said.
The move forms part of its plans to reform how electricity grid connections are managed in Great Britain, laying the foundations for an efficient and future ready connections process, it added.
Grid connections applications have continued to grow over the last year to the point that it is no longer possible to deliver in flight connections reforms in parallel with the existing connections process.
In 2023/24 alone, NESO received over 1,700 queue applications, with more projects already in the queue than is required for the energy system in 2030 or even 2050.
To enable NESO, Transmission Owners and Distribution Network Operators to focus on preparing for the new Connections Reform framework, a new starting point is needed for the connections process, to ensure all projects join the new framework on the same terms, the organisation said.
There will be exceptions to this arrangement to support wider GB energy needs and economic growth.
Demand projects directly connecting to the national electricity transmission network (typically large industrial and commercial units), will be allowed to continue to connect and move through the current connections process, to support the continued delivery of Great Britain’s industrial development.
Matt Vickers, director of connections reform at NESO, said: “This transitional arrangement is critical to delivering the connections reforms we will implement later this year, subject to Ofgem approval.
“It’s a significant step forward in changing the grid connections process for the better.
“Our reforms prioritise projects which are ready to progress, and which are needed to deliver clean power by 2030.
“To reorder the queue, we need to start from a stable base This short pause in applications will allow us to work with colleagues across the network companies to prepare for the new processes we need to bring forward the electricity projects needed for the delivery of clean power by 2030 and beyond.
“We will work closely with industry, Government, the Regulator and network companies throughout this process to help ensure a smooth transition to the new connections process in 2025.”