GRID DELAYS DESCENDING INTO FARCE, SAYS SOLAR ENERGY UK

Getting a grid connection for solar and storage projects has been an issue for many years, but the situation seems to be getting much worse. The issue is incredibly complex and Seb Berry outlines the main problems very well in this article. 

The fact that grid connections are now causing a significant barrier to the UK achieving its target of installing 70GW of solar by 2035 should be ringing some serious alarm bells. This issue needs urgent attention. 

One of the points raised is the skills gap within the DNOs. There aren't enough skilled people performing the complex analysis required to give an accurate view on what is required to connect projects. Incorrect assumptions are being made as to how solar projects operate (eg exporting at maximum capacity at night) and over simplistic systems are being used which delivery incredibly conservative results to cover themselves. 

Today we've also heard that Ofgem has reluctantly approved a three-month extension to National Grid’s Two Step grid connection process. This follows a deluge of applications to connect to the transmissions system, with 500 applications totalling 150GW being submitted through the two step process. 

There needs to be intervention from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to resolve this complex issue. If you're a solar project developer, what are the key elements you'd like to see improve in the grid connection process?