It is aiming to fast-track shovel-ready clean energy projects and dump speculative ones clogging the system.
From today until 29 July, more than 5,000 generation and demand projects already in the queue must submit evidence to NESO proving they are ready to go.
Those that pass will jump the line and be offered firm connection dates in what’s being dubbed the biggest grid reform in a generation.
This is the start of NESO’s plan to ditch the outdated first-come, first-served approach that’s left viable wind, solar and battery projects waiting up to 15 years to plug into the grid.
The current queue stands at 738GW—more than four times what the UK actually needs by 2030.
NESO says just 170GW is essential to hit that target, and it wants to give those projects clarity and confidence.
“This is a key moment in the once-in-a-lifetime transformation of our electricity network,” said NESO Chief Operating Officer Kayte O’Neill. “By prioritising agreements for projects that are critical and shovel-ready, developers will get the certainty they need to support investment decisions.”
Projects will be split into two streams.
Those meeting NESO’s criteria will enter ‘Gate 2’ and receive updated offers with confirmed dates, grid works and site requirements.
Others will be sent to ‘Gate 1’ with a provisional connection offer—and no confirmed timeline—until they can prove they’re ready in future rounds.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks hailed the shake-up as a “milestone” in delivering the government’s clean power by 2030 goal.
“This is our Plan for Change in action,” he said, “taking us a step closer to building an energy system that takes Britain off the rollercoaster of global fossil fuel markets and can bring bills down for good.”
NESO will start announcing successful Gate 2 projects from September, with revised offers issued this autumn.
Priority will go to schemes set for connection in 2026 and 2027.
The full list of eligible projects to meet the 2030 target will be finalised early next year.
Transmission and large embedded generators must apply directly to NESO.
Smaller distribution projects should submit through their DNO.
