UK energy regulator Ofgem has approved the recommendations of the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to ‘axe zombie projects’ from its grid-connection queue while prioritizing clean energy projects.
This is expected to clear the way for over 65 GW of solar PV capacity to secure firm grid-connection offers under Gate 2, an increase from 39 GW of projected capacity, nearing the 69.4 GW cap for solar set for 2035 in the country’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
New reforms will move ready and needed projects from Gate 1 to Gate 2 and get a firm connection offer, according to Ofgem’s TM04+ Impact Assessment.
As of February 2025, the UK grid had projects worth 765 GW holding connection contracts across the transmission and distribution network. These comprised 587 GW at transmission and 178 GW on the distribution network. This far exceeds the required capacity under the country’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, under which solar’s share is estimated to reach 45 GW to 47 GW (see UK Targets Up To 47 GW Solar PV Installed Capacity By 2030).
On April 15, 2025, Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley announced the new reforms and declared, “So today I am delighted we are abolishing the first-come, first-served connections queue by blocking and removing unviable, stalled, and speculative schemes – giving NESO tough new powers to fast-track clean power projects to expand grid capacity rapidly.” He added, “These reforms are vital for us to get to 2030.”
UK’s Energy Secretary Ed Miliband explained, “Too many companies are facing gridlock because they cannot get the clean energy they need to drive growth and create jobs.” He added, “In an uncertain world, our message to the global clean energy industry is clear; come and build it in Britain because we are a safe haven. If you want certainty, stability and security when it comes to your investments, choose Britain.”
NESO says these reforms will transform connections from being a barrier to an enabler for the wider economy, representing a £40 billion ($53 billion) annual investment opportunity.
Local solar energy association Solar Energy UK welcomed the government’s decision to reform the connection queue. Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewitt recommends that the government back distributed solar too.
According to NESO, “If approved this spring, The Transmission Impact Assessment (TIA) Modification (CMP446) will ensure a proportionate approach to smaller projects like micro solar and community energy so that they don’t need to wait for large transmission upgrades.”
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) pegs the UK’s total installed solar PV capacity at 17.6 GW as of the end of 2024.
