Implications of grid connection reforms for UK solar and BESS development

Join us for a webinar discussion about the implications of the grid connection queue reshuffle results for the UK’s solar and battery energy storage (BESS) development.

On 8 December 2025, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) announced that it had completed the first stage of reforms to the grid connection queue. It notified developers hoping for a connection to the transmission grid whether they will receive an offer for a date pre-2035, and distribution network operators (DNOs) followed suit for regional projects.

With 283GW of projects in the UK due to connect to the transmission grid up to 2035, we will unpack the figures and hear from key industry voices on how they see deployment playing out.

We ask what the future is for greenfield battery energy storage systems (BESS) as the technology’s oversupply means connections will now be near impossible to come by, with 153GW of projects deprioritised in the connection queue, moving to Gate 1 or removed from the queue completely.

This webinar will also address the undersupply of solar PV that qualified for transmission grid connections between now and 2030.

Commenting on this, Solar Media Market Research analyst Josh Cornes said: “Because of the deadlines ahead of CP30, especially the December 2024 deadline for planning submissions, we are seeing all-time highs for refusal rates, with over 30% of the projects submitted in December that have had a decision being refused.”

Cornes joins Molly Green, senior reporter for Solar Power Portal, to host this webinar, which will feature in-depth analyses and industry responses to one of the largest undertakings in the energy system.