UK. Ending Gridlock on the Grid - Connecting More Renewable Energy.

26-Jul-2007.
UK Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks, today launched a joint review of the problems associated with connecting renewable forms of energy (principally wind) to the electricity grid.

The current technical, commercial and regulatory framework for the delivery of new transmission infrastructure will be considered. The review will also look at how the grid is managed to ensure that it remains fit for purpose as the proportion of renewable generation in the system grows.

The Review will set out proposals for changes to the framework for transmission access in order to better support the connection of renewable generation to the grid. It will address issues such as:
* New approaches to sharing transmission capacity between different forms of generation.
* The way in which infrastructure is built and operated.
* Whether the right incentives are in place to encourage the timely connection and disconnection of generating capacity in order to ensure the UK sustains its current level of security of supply.

It will look ahead to 2020 and consider ways to support the delivery of the government's aspiration of 20% of electricity supplied by renewable generation and any targets that may be agreed at European Union level. The launch of the review is one of the key renewable energy actions of the Energy White Paper which was published in May. A final report on grid connection will be published in May 2008 setting out progress of the review in identifying the need for new legislation and any reforms that may be required.

Press release announcing launch of review (www.gnn.gov.uk).

Link to web site of Transmission Access Review (www.berr.gov.uk).