The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has unveiled a new roadmap to fix Britain’s grid connections logjam and speed up clean power projects vital to hitting the 2030 target.
The updated timeline, will fast-track shovel-ready schemes and prioritise those essential for delivering clean electricity this decade. NESO says the plan will unlock as much as £40 billion a year in economic growth and create thousands of high-skilled jobs.
Developed with government, Ofgem and the networks, the roadmap sets out clear milestones for developers.
The aim is to cut risk, give investors certainty and keep the power system on track for a reliable low-carbon future.
The shake-up comes after years of complaints from developers left in limbo by grid queues stretching into the 2030s.
NESO admitted its evidence submission portal had frustrated customers and says today’s announcement reflects direct feedback from the industry.
The roadmap also protects key policy programmes like Contracts for Difference auctions and the Regional Energy System Plan, ensuring they align with the reformed connections process.
From November, NESO and the distribution network operators will start telling developers which projects have secured a place in the new connections queue.
Revised offers will begin rolling out from December, with priority given to projects due online in 2026 and 2027. Offers for 2030 and 2035 delivery will follow next year.
Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer at NESO, said: “This is a crucial move to transform our electricity network and keep us on track for clean power by 2030. We are cutting through the queues and focusing on projects that are critical for the target and ready to go. Developers will finally get the certainty they need to invest and build.”
Grid reform has become one of the most urgent challenges in the energy transition.
By prioritising shovel-ready projects and setting out fixed timelines, NESO hopes to give developers confidence that the system will finally move at the pace required.
