Renewable energy trade bodies have called on the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to guarantee a two-week period of uninterrupted access to its newly launched grid connection application process, following technical difficulties affecting submissions.
The request comes after multiple industry groups—including RenewableUK, Scottish Renewables, Solar Energy UK, Regen and the Electricity Storage Network—reported persistent technical issues with NESO’s online portal for Gate 2 grid connections. The system was launched on 8 July as part of a wider reform to the UK’s connections queue, aimed at accelerating grid access for clean energy projects.
In a joint letter to NESO, the groups urged the operator to ensure “a full two-week period to submit their applications without issues preventing them from doing so.” They argued the current five-working-day extension to the original 29 July deadline was “highly unlikely” to be sufficient.
Barnaby Wharton, director of future electricity systems at RenewableUK, said: “Although the efforts to date are welcome, major issues remain which are preventing our members from submitting applications for grid connections for their projects. It’s critical that NESO does everything in its power to address these issues as efficiently as possible.”
The industry coalition acknowledged that extending the submission window may impact downstream milestones, but said the risk of disruption to the UK’s clean energy rollout and investor confidence was greater.
NESO has responded by apologising for the disruption and said it is actively working to resolve the issues. “We understand the frustration and concern that the technical issues affecting some customers’ ability to submit evidence to NESO has caused, for which we sincerely apologise,” a NESO spokesperson said.
“In recognition of this, we have extended the submission window by at least five working days beyond the original deadline of 29 July, while our team works flat out to resolve things.”
The operator added that the Gate 2 process forms part of a broader transformation effort. “Connections reform is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade Britain’s electricity system and help us achieve Clean Power by 2030,” NESO said. “We are working at pace to deliver this, to help unlock up to £40 billion worth of annual investment, driving economic growth in our country.”
A tracking tool has been made available to inform customers of updates, and daily briefings are being provided to project developers to support the application process.
