UK creates state-owned GB Grid and reforms connections rules to speed up network build-out

The useful part

Publicly owned company GB Grid announced in UK connections policy overhaul. Self-build reforms allowing developers to build their own connections in some cases also planned, following success of similar policy in Ireland. Great British Grid (GB Grid) will compete against private sector energy network operators in an energy market in need of significant grid infrastructure investment.

How it works

• Great Britain's transmission network currently operates as a heavily regulated, private regional monopoly.
• This will allow developers and businesses to build their own connections where appropriate, rather than waiting for network companies.
• The government claims this will reduce delays and lower costs, citing a similar policy change in Ireland credited with reducing connection times by up to 11 months.
• Plans to introduce competitive tendering for transmission projects will also be accelerated, according to the government, allowing a wider range of organizations to compete to deliver network infrastructure...
• National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), SP Energy Networks (SP Transmission) and SSEN Transmission (Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission).

What to take from it

For solar and energy storage project developers applying for a connection at transmission level, there is no choice in connection partner. More about Energy Storage Utility-scale Written by Matthew Lynas View author posts This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. Energy regulator Ofgem estimates that transmission owners will need to spend up to around GBP 70 billion ($93 billion) over 2025 to 2031 on grid upgrades.

Example or evidence

• In a bid to accelerate this process, the UK government has also committed to reforming rules on self-build connections.
• Ofgem has been consulting on a new Competitively Appointed Transmission Owner (CATO) regime that would offer new licensed Independent Transmission Operators (ITO) the opportunity to win competitive tenders...
• The state-owned grid company will enter a market characterized by a lack of competition and lengthy grid connection queues.
• to owning and operating the network, these companies are responsible for investing in grid upgrades.

Details worth keeping

pv magazine Global Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Markets & Policy See all Publicly owned company GB Grid announced in UK connections policy overhaul New state-owned company will compete with private sector network operators. Competitive tendering for transmission projects to be brought forward. Great Britain's onshore transmission network is owned by three companies:

Related coverage

• Renews: Prime Minister Andy Burnham says public network company will 'challenge private sector operators'