ESO Consultation CMP434 on Grid

Grid connections reform is crucial for enabling renewable energy projects to contribute to net zero. Our recent input to ESO Consultation CMP434 underscores the importance of reforming the connections process. We are hopeful about potential changes by National Grid ESO to support sub-10MW community-led and -owned projects, such as single wind turbines.

This could enable a niche of small but determined community groups to move ahead with locally impactful developments at Distribution level, relieving the pressure on Transmission. Community ownership of such projects can help disadvantaged communities deal with local priorities such as fuel poverty.

A key focus is on the Distribution Forecasted Transmission Capacity (DFTC) threshold. Elevating it from 1MW to 6-10MW would align with the demand for and market for larger wind turbines, at the same time expediting connection agreements. Let's work towards quicker connections measured in months not decades for this class of project. The urgency is clear – neither communities nor climate can wait!