The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has introduced a strategic pipeline of energy projects prioritised for grid connection. This initiative is expected to unlock approximately £40 billion in annual clean investment and advance the Government’s ambition for Clean Power by 2030.
The announcement follows a comprehensive overhaul of the grid connections process, developed in collaboration with the government, investors, networks, Ofgem, and the wider energy industry. The previous first-come, first-served queue for grid access had expanded tenfold over five years, reaching over 700 GW—four times the projected need for Great Britain by 2030.
As a result of the backlog, some ready-to-build projects received connection dates extending into the 2030s, while less advanced projects secured earlier spots. The industry advocated for reform, which has now materialised.
From today, thousands of projects—including wind and solar farms, battery storage, and hydrogen initiatives—will discover if they are among the 283 GW of generation and storage capacity and 99 GW of transmission-connected demand selected for NESO’s new pipeline. This reformed system prioritises readiness and strategic importance over initial application dates.
NESO’s reconfigured pipeline aims to clarify the timing and location of required network infrastructure, as electricity demand in Britain is expected to nearly triple by 2050. The projects scheduled to connect in 2026/27 will begin receiving formal offers with confirmed connection dates from December, with remaining offers anticipated by the third quarter of next year.
Developers of projects not included in the current pipeline can reapply under the new arrangements from late 2026. To qualify, they must demonstrate readiness and alignment with the Government’s Clean Power Action Plan.
Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer at NESO, remarked that transforming the grid connections process is crucial for unlocking capacity needs for a secure and affordable energy transition. The changes are designed to reduce grid bottlenecks and provide certainty for ready-to-build projects, thereby unlocking significant clean energy investment.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated that the reforms address a previously broken system where inactive projects impeded grid connections for viable developments. The reforms aim to prioritise projects that are ready to contribute to delivering clean power by 2030, advancing investment, job creation, and economic growth.
