UK Government proposing to speed up renewable energy grid connections and increase capacity on the grid.
- £960 million allocated to accelerate manufacturing in key net zero sectors
- New plans to reduce new power line construction by a half will speed up delivery of locally produced renewable energy
- Average grid connection delays reduced from 5 years to 6 months, unlocking up to 100GW of capacity—roughly a quarter of the electricity required to power our economy by 2050—ensuring the UK remains a global leader in low-carbon energy.
- Up to £1,000 a year off electricity bills for properties located nearby power infrastructure
The UK government has unveiled major plans to expedite connections and significantly boost capacity on the electricity grid, alongside a £960 million investment in green industries. This initiative aims to enhance the nation’s energy security and provide long-term savings for families and businesses.
These measures, designed to support economic growth and bolster the UK’s status as a top destination for renewable energy investment, focus on accelerating the construction of network infrastructure and speeding up grid connections.
Announced by the Chancellor and Energy Security Secretary, the government has accepted all recommendations from Electricity Networks Commissioner Nick Winser CBE. These steps will reduce the time needed to build high-voltage power lines from 14 years to 7.
Additionally, the Connections Action Plan will slash the average delay for projects to connect to the grid from 5 years to just 6 months. It will also replace the existing ‘first-come, first-served’ system, which had created a backlog of projects, thereby hindering low-carbon investment.
Communities hosting new power infrastructure could benefit directly from lower electricity bills and funding for local projects. They will have the authority to decide how these funds are spent, which could include apprenticeships, energy efficiency measures, local parks, or community energy generation. Properties closest to new transmission infrastructure could receive up to £1,000 off their electricity bills annually for 10 years.
The government has also allocated £960 million to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator, aimed at boosting advanced manufacturing capacity in key net zero sectors such as offshore wind, networks, carbon capture, usage and storage, hydrogen, and nuclear energy.
With the rising demand for renewables and growing international competition across supply chains, the government is ensuring that the UK remains an attractive environment for investment and growth. Thanks to the UK’s leadership in clean technologies, including the Contracts for Difference scheme and a £20 billion investment in carbon capture, usage, and storage, the UK has attracted £200 billion since 2010, with an additional £100 billion expected by 2030, supporting up to 480,000 skilled jobs nationwide.
The newly announced package from the Autumn Statement is projected to stimulate £90 billion of investment over the next decade, ensuring the country’s infrastructure is ready for the green industries of the future.