Energy firms will face a temporary ban on applying for grid connections after wait times for the likes of new solar and wind projects have mounted.
Britain’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) on Wednesday said new entrants would no longer be able to apply to join the grid from late January to allow time for reform.
Projects have come up against delays of up to 14 years when attempting to secure energy grid connections due to a backlog of often unfeasible plans being assessed on a first come first serve basis.
NESO said that 1,700 applications had been received last year alone, taking projects already in the queue above levels required for “the energy system in 2030 or even 2050”.
“Our reforms prioritise projects which are ready to progress, and which are needed to deliver clean power by 2030,” NESO connections reform director Matt Vickers said.
“To reorder the queue, we need to start from a stable base.
“This short pause in applications will allow us to work with colleagues across the network companies to prepare for the new processes we need to bring forward the electricity projects needed for the delivery of clean power by 2030 and beyond.”
Exemptions would be made, NESO added, including for the likes of "large industrial and commercial units" able to support "wider" energy needs and economic growth.