Britain’s National Energy System Operator on Monday launched a sweeping overhaul of its grid connection process to fast-track ready-to-build power and data projects, aiming to clear stalled applications and support the country’s 2030 clean-energy goals.
NESO Shifts to Priority System for Ready Projects
Britain’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) said it is replacing its long-standing first-come, first-served queue with a priority-based system that advances only projects showing clear readiness. Officials said the move is intended to curb hundreds of “zombie” proposals that have slowed progress toward the nation’s clean-power targets.
Kayte O’Neill, NESO’s chief operating officer, said the changes will immediately cut delays. “These changes will cut grid bottlenecks by prioritising ready-to-build projects, giving certainty about when and where they can connect and unlocking billions in clean energy investment,” she said.
The reform comes as Britain Grid Overhaul races to largely decarbonise its power sector by 2030, a target that requires rapid expansion of wind, solar and storage capacity. NESO reviewed roughly 3,000 applications and identified 132 gigawatts as crucial for the government’s Clean Power 2030 target, with an additional 151 gigawatts needed by 2035.
Government Cites Need for Faster Energy Links
The government said the overhaul was necessary to support both renewable generation and the country’s ambition to become an artificial intelligence hub. New data centers — among the most energy-intensive commercial facilities — also require grid access to expand.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the new approach corrects years of stagnation. “We inherited a broken system where zombie projects were allowed to hold up grid connections for viable projects,” he said. “These reforms ensure the most important projects move first so the grid can support our clean-power future.”
Under the new framework, Britain Grid Overhaul projects must show planning permission, secured land rights and alignment with national energy goals to advance. NESO said this approach allows developers to plan with more certainty and ensures that grid capacity is allocated to the most strategic proposals.
Hundreds of Inactive Proposals Removed
NESO’s review found that more than 300 gigawatts of projects will not proceed because developers could not demonstrate readiness or compliance with national objectives. Officials said clearing these stalled applications will help system operators better allocate resources and cut long-running delays.
The overhaul follows months of work between NESO, network companies, industry groups, the energy regulator Ofgem and government officials. Stakeholders said the shift marks the most significant reform of the grid connection process in decades.
Industry analysts said the updated criteria could help accelerate Britain Grid Overhaul energy transition. “Prioritising viable projects is essential for meeting increasingly tight carbon-reduction timelines,” said Rachel Moore, an independent energy consultant. “Developers need predictable pathways, and the old system could not deliver that.”
But some developers warned that projects lacking early planning approvals may struggle. “The new rules will help clear the backlog, but smaller firms may face challenges getting planning and land access quickly enough to stay competitive,” said Thomas Greene, who leads a renewable-energy development firm in southern England.
Despite these concerns, NESO said the updated model is necessary to meet the country’s long-term goals. The agency emphasised that both generation projects—such as wind and solar plants—and demand-side projects, including large data centers seeking power, will be prioritised.
NESO said a total of 283 gigawatts of generation and storage capacity will be advanced under the new system. Another 99 gigawatts of demand-side projects will also move forward, reflecting the rising need for electricity as Britain Grid Overhaul expands digital infrastructure.
Officials said further refinements to the process will follow as Britain works to modernise its grid and expand capacity for renewable energy, data centers and other emerging technologies.
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