Ofgem steps up on grid connections
UK, London: British energy regulator introduces a new policy to hasten the process of connecting low-carbon energy schemes to the electricity transmission grid.
Image for illustration purposes.
UK, London: British energy regulator introduces a new policy to hasten the process of connecting low-carbon energy schemes to the electricity transmission grid.
According to Britain’s target, net zero emissions should be reached by 2050. In order to achieve this, power generation from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, needs to be greatly scaled up. To this end, 2035 has been set as the target for electricity supply decarbonization. The aim of this reducing the reliance on imported gas.
Project developers have noted that there are difficulties with new projects and their connection, which could prevent targets from being reached.
At present, approx. 20 % of queued generation capacity will have to wait 10 more years before reaching connection dates, while more than 40 %, or some 120 GW, have offered connection dates of 2030 or beyond. Also, new project connection requests are put at the end of the queue, even if preceding projects are stalled or not progressing, Ofgem said.
Ofgem offered various options to make the power grid fit for net-zero transition. Short-term, it will be easier for non-progressing contracts to leave the queue. Long-term, improvements should be made to the connection process.
Source: Reuters
#decarbonization#low carbon#net zero emissions#Ofgem#power grid#Renewables