This week we look at Ofgem's support of the ESO's latest proposals for reforming the grid connections process, RenewableUK's proposal for co-location to accelerate an integrated energy system,
Ofgem supports ESO's latest proposals for reforming the grid connections process
Ofgem has shown support for the Electricity System Operator's (ESO) plans to reform the grid connection process in an open letter.
As we previously reported, the ESO announced a reformed "first ready, first connected" process applying to both new and existing energy generation projects. This process will consist of two gates to entry into the connections queue, the second of which will require a project to secure both land rights and a date of submission for the planning application. With a target of
Ofgem noted that the reforms have the potential to achieve the vision Ofgem committed to in its Connections Action Plan (CAP) published alongside the
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raising entry requirements to reduce the number of speculative applications and unviable projects entering the queue;
- removing stalled projects to prevent delay to viable projects by releasing unutilised capacity; and
- better allocating available network capacity via a clear process to accelerate connections ready to connect.
- any regulatory and legislative changes required to enable or mitigate risks;
- contingency options should the proposal not meet the expected time frame or benefits; and
- how to pragmatically prepare for the reforms and manage customer expectations prior the implementation date.
Ofgem did, however, state that it will continue to monitor the development of the proposals to assess if they go far enough and whether further measures may be appropriate. It also set of a number of areas that it expects the ESO to consider in developing the proposal, notably:
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the risks associated with the proposal as well as forecasted benefits;
For further information on the potential impact of grid connection reforms, see our Insight.
RenewableUK proposes co-location to accelerate an integrated energy system
RenewableUK (an energy trade association) has published a report on the importance of co-location in accelerating an integrated energy system.
Co-location involves developing multiple generation projects (including energy storage) or combining different technology types at the same grid connection point. Battery storage is currently the technology at the core of co-location, due to its scalability. However the industry is becoming increasingly interested in a combination of solar, green hydrogen or other longer duration electricity storage technologies.
The report highlights that only 12% of onshore wind and solar farms in the
RenewableUK reports that co-location can make more efficient use of grid capacity and can lower the cost of renewables, by reducing the capital and operational cost of the shared assets. Considering grid connection delays, co-location also makes more efficient use of grid capacity.
The collaboration will see the integration of Electron's flexibility platform ElectronConnect into
The Market Gateway platform will continue to operate on an auction clearing basis. However, FSPs will have access to the tenders through the ElectronConnect platform which will provide an end-to-end service for its users from onboarding, bidding, dispatch and payment.
This initiative follows
More than one in five cars to be EVs in 2024 according to new Global Outlook
The latest Global Outlook from the
The report comments that the research is indicative of a growing emergence of EVs globally, and that prices are beginning to decrease. This is a key point, as the IEA has stated that enabling the mass adoption of EVs hinges on the successful launch of EVs that are affordable, a problem which continues to plague the industry and EV adoption rates.
To accompany the increase in global EV sales, the IEA has estimated that the global number of public charge points will exceed 15 million by 2030 - a four-fold increase compared to the almost four milling operating in 2023. The IEA has indicated that the uptake in EV usage is dependent on the public having access to suitable chargers to ensure a just transition.
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