Whichever government comes next following the UK’s general election this summer, it will need to establish a plan for a grid that will handle ever-increasing renewables capacity, RenewableUK’s Global Offshore Wind conference in Manchester has heard.
A new approach to grid planning would include, according to National Grid interconnectors managing director Rebecca Sedler, the setting out of agreed plans and visions, the setting of a clear regulatory framework backed by solid policy, and providing the right investment signals to markets.
One of the central issues for a more efficient grid system is reform to the grid connection application process, which will help to resolve the massive queue that has built up for projects hoping to connect to the grid, Specialist Connections Engineer at Roadnight Taylor Catherine Cleary said.
Reform would allow the sector to refocus on building infrastructure, rather than getting bogged down in queue management, she said.
Independent advisory group Regen chief executive Merlin Hyman said that the UK benefits from interested politicians. Citing remarks at Global Offshore Wind by both Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho and her Labour counterpart Ed Miliband, Hyman said the next government will have the grid system front of mind.
Turning that into reality is a different story though, he said.