For years, renewable energy and battery project developers in the UK have faced one persistent barrier: getting a grid connection. Long queues, speculative projects clogging up the system, and connection dates drifting into the 2040s have created a bottleneck that threatens the country’s net zero ambitions. In response, NESO has launched its Connection Reform Project – an overhaul designed to clear the backlog and reprioritise the queue, with the consultation phase closing today (March 14). But what does this really mean for developers on the ground?
We spoke to Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO, to explore what’s changing, what’s at stake, and whether the reforms are set to help or hinder the transition.
We’ve heard a lot about the grid reforms shaking up connection queues. What’s the core issue the reforms are trying to solve?
Put simply, the grid is getting overwhelmed. We’ve seen a wave of speculative applications— from solar, wind and battery projects applying for grid connections with no planning permission, no land rights, and no clear path to delivery. These speculative projects have been clogging up the system, pushing genuine, shovel-ready schemes to the back of the queue. The reform aims to prioritise projects that are genuinely ready to build, aligning connections with government targets like the Clean Power 2030 plan. It’s about shifting from a ‘first come, first served’ model to ‘first ready, first connected’. In theory, in my opinion it’s a much fairer system.
So, is this a win for developers who are ready to go?
In many ways, yes. For developers who’ve done their homework—secured planning consent, lined up financing, completed designs—it’s a chance to move forward faster. Under the old system, you could have a shovel-ready project stuck behind a speculative battery storage scheme with no realistic timeline. The reforms aim to fix that.
But it’s not without its challenges. There’s now a much higher bar for applications. Developers will need to submit far more detailed evidence when applying—site layouts, land rights, planning milestones, and so on. For some, particularly smaller players, this may be a significant step up.
And for those who are already in the queue? What happens to them?
That’s where it gets complicated. There’s a process underway to evaluate existing applications. Some projects will keep their place, especially if they meet new criteria or are considered strategically important. But others may find themselves pushed back or even out of the queue altogether if they can’t demonstrate progress.
There are also technology-specific quotas being introduced. So, if you’re developing solar in an area that’s already oversubscribed with solar, you might struggle to retain your spot. It’s not just about being ready—it’s about being aligned with the UK’s wider strategic needs.
Are there any downsides to the reforms?
The intention is positive, but the execution is complex. One concern is the pace of change. Developers are being asked to adapt to new rules, but the finer details are still emerging. There’s a real risk of confusion and inconsistent application across different regions and DNOs (Distribution Network Operators).
We’re also watching closely the proposal for a financial deposit—potentially £20,000 per megawatt to secure a place in the queue. For some projects, particularly community energy schemes, that’s a showstopper. The danger is that in trying to weed out speculative projects, you accidentally push out viable but underfunded schemes.
So what’s your take? Will this fix the grid?
The reforms are absolutely necessary. Without change, we simply weren’t going to get the volume of renewable energy we need connected in time to meet our climate targets. But it’s not a silver bullet. Reforming the queue is only part of the picture. We still face major structural challenges with grid capacity itself—upgrading infrastructure, reinforcing networks, and ensuring investment keeps pace with demand.
For developers, the key takeaway is this: make sure your project is as robust as possible. Planning, land rights, design work, financial backing—these are no longer nice-to-haves. They’re essential if you want to stay in the game.
And what should installers and smaller developers be thinking about now?
The bar is being raised across the board. My advice is to engage early, get the best technical advice you can, and prepare thoroughly – and speak to an advisor before you apply for a connection if you’re unsure about anything. The grid is moving into a new era of scrutiny and strategic oversight. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of success
Image credit: Vattenfall.
