UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator (DSO) has announced it has released 4GW of capacity across its network and has accelerated the connection dates of more than 40 new energy projects.
The DSO has used its Distributed Energy Resource Management (DERMS) platform to make available the capacity, with 2.3GW released across eight Grid Supply Points (GSPs) in the initial phase in 2023 and a further 1.7GW across four GSPs in early 2024.
UKPN is working with other network operators in the Strategic Connections Group, which is run through the Energy Networks Association (ENA). The group has been tasked with accelerating connections for renewable energy.
“The insights from DERMS and collaborations across industry have resulted in a new approach being put in place by the Strategic Connections Group called Technical Limits. Nationwide up to 30GW of generation and battery storage capacity is being made available to safely connect to the nation’s distribution networks,” the network operator said.
UKPN said customers across its distribution areas who accept the revised offers will be able to connect as soon as they are ready to build.
Matt White, head of network strategy at UK Power Networks DSO, said: “Networks are working together and taking a whole-systems approach that is showing how we can deliver the capacity we need to reach net zero.
“Our DSO is demonstrating how the technology, people and data that it is developing is making a tangible difference to our customers by fast-tracking gigawatts of capacity in our licence areas and beyond.
“We’re committed to making it cheaper, easier and faster for net zero technology to connect to the network, and we’re working closely with our fellow networks and the national transmission system to make it happen.”
It comes as figures released by the ENA show that almost a third of all projects awaiting a grid connection are battery storage schemes.
As of September this year, storage projects accounted for 29% (159GW) of all queued capacity, according to the ENA’s figures.
The trade association claims this is due to a significant increase in battery project applications, coupled with storage projects being allocated more capacity than they need.