Overcoming infrastructure barriers to renewable energy

The SSEP will set out where we can expect to see generation in the future and the sorts of things that we will need to consider. Offshore, this will need to include the complex interactions between various marine uses. How should we balance renewable energy projects with other marine activities such as oil and gas extraction, marine biodiversity preservation, and protected areas? By taking a holistic approach to spatial planning, policymakers can minimize conflicts and maximize the benefits of renewable deployment.

The SSEP will then inform what new electricity infrastructure will be needed to carry power around the country. This will also initiate open and frank discussions between the government and its agencies with local communities about what this infrastructure should look like and precisely where it should go. Some communities, like those in East Anglia, are being asked to host electricity infrastructure for the first time. Balancing the need for new infrastructure with community concerns, keeping costs down, and considering environmental impacts will require delicate management. Should we, for instance, put more cables underground, which will protect communities from the visual impact but impose high costs for bill payers and the environment?

Getting power around the country is all but useless if we cannot get renewable projects connected to the grid. Battery storage is an essential complement to renewable generation, and the sector is booming—in the past 12 months, the pipeline of projects has grown by 67% to 96 GW; there are fewer than 5 GW of storage on the system today.

But this boom has also meant that the queue for a grid connection has grown. Projects are being offered dates to connect to the network into the late 2030s. There is an urgent need for reform in the grid connection process.

Efforts are underway to streamline the grid connection process by transitioning from a first-come, first-serve approach to prioritize projects that are ready to connect or can demonstrate benefit to the system. This approach aims to expedite the connection process and ensure that renewable energy projects can come online swiftly.

The government aims for a decarbonized power system by 2035, and Labour is looking to 2030. These goals are essential to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and give consumers access to low-cost renewables. Strategic planning, regulatory reform, and streamlined grid connection processes are essential steps in addressing these challenges. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can pave the way for a sustainable energy future powered by renewable sources.