Clean energy projects prioritised for grid connections

So-called ‘zombie’ projects will no longer hold up the queue for connection to the electricity grid to prioritise businesses that will drive growth and deliver energy security. Companies are currently waiting up to 15 years to be connected to the grid leaving promising businesses ‘grid-locked’, and over the last 5 years, the grid connection queue has grown tenfold.      

The changes will help to kick-start the economy to put more money in working people’s pockets, the first priority of the government’s Plan for Change. 

Ofgem is expected to confirm the ambitious new plan, drafted by the National Energy System Operator in partnership with the energy industry. 

The reforms will help unlock £40 billion a year of mainly private investment, growing the economy, creating jobs and raising living standards as a key part of the government’s Plan for Change. 

This builds on the latest figures showing that since July, the clean energy industry is now booming in Britain, with £43.7 billion of private investment being announced into the UK’s clean energy industries. 

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.“