Britain’s system operator NESO has issued the first Gate 2 grid connection offer following last year’s reforms to the national queue.
The organisation said the contract has been sent to a transmission-connected project in Scotland that was granted “protected” status during the queue overhaul, allowing it to retain an existing 2026–27 connection date.
“More offers will now follow in the days and weeks ahead,” NESO said. “This step is crucial in moving from planning the connections reform process to actively delivering a secure and affordable energy future for Great Britain.”
NESO last week published an updated timetable for issuing Gate 2 offers after confirming in January that the rollout of contracts to customers would run later than originally planned.
Under the revised schedule, offers for transmission-connected projects with protected 2026–27 connection dates are expected to be completed by mid-April. Documentation for protected distribution-connected assets is due between early March and late May.
Energy regulator Ofgem warned earlier this month that 62% of the 340 projects holding protections could be at risk of losing their existing connection dates. The regulator has instructed NESO and network companies to provide their “best view of the most ambitious dates possible” where timelines may change.
