The UK National Energy System Operator (NESO) has confirmed a new pipeline of deliverable, shovel-ready energy projects that will be prioritised for connection to the electricity networks in the UK. NESO has worked with government, investors, networks, Ofgem, and the wider energy sector on an overhaul of the connections process. For years, outdated rules left projects in a queue that had grown to more than 700 GW, around four times what is required by 2030.
Thousands of projects, including wind and solar farms, battery storage, and hydrogen developments, will learn whether they are part of the 283 GW of generation and storage capacity and 99 GW of transmission-connected demand that will form the new pipeline. This shift moves the system away from a first-come, first-served approach towards one that prioritises projects able to meet Great Britain’s energy and economic needs.
Connections reform is intended to ensure Britain has the power it needs after 2030, with electricity demand expected to almost triple by 2050. Following today’s notifications, the first group of protected projects scheduled to connect in 2026/2027 will begin receiving formal offers with confirmed connection dates throughout December and into the new year, with remaining offers to be finalised by the third quarter of next year.
Projects seeking to reapply for inclusion in the connections process will be able to do so from late 2026 and will need to demonstrate readiness to progress and alignment with the Government’s Clean Power Action Plan.
