An opinion poll from Cornwall Insights and Weightmans has found that almost three-quarters of energy experts perceive grid connections as a big hurdle to developing renewable energy technology.

This comes at a similar time to Ofgem publishing updates to grid connections reforms. However, an energy grid and grid connections transformation must be timely and sufficient in scale to meet the government’s renewable energy ambitions.

The government is targeting fully clean and affordable electricity by 2030, with projects such as GB Energy. These targets also feature funding through the AR6 auction to support new infrastructure and renewable power projects.

The UK’s grid will require new cables to bring grid connections to standard. More efficient technology will also be key to expand the energy grid’s capacity. Improved wiring methods may reduce how much the grid needs expanding also.

The recent grid connections reform updates mentioned above relate to the Connections Action Plan or CAP.

The CAP was announced in winter 2023 as efforts between the government, Ofgem and the Electricity System Operator or ESO. The plan is a vision for a new connections process to align with future developments and viable projects including renewable energy projects.