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Grid Connectivity Delays Jeopardize UK’s Solar Energy Transition

MPs have raised concerns over significant delays businesses face in the UK, with waits of up to 15 years for solar installations due to a lack of grid connectivity. The environmental audit committee has highlighted the obstacles hindering the country’s progress towards renewable energy goals, stating that a “dark cloud of delays” looms over the sector.

The committee’s inquiry into solar energy revealed that the government’s target of installing 70GW of solar power by 2035 might be at risk if these delays persist. It discovered instances where customers had to endure long waiting periods of 10 to 15 years to secure a connection for their solar installations.

The MPs identified three key areas contributing to the delays in grid connection. First, there is a lack of physical infrastructure, including cables and transformers. Second, there is a shortage of data on solar photovoltaic generation, especially for small-scale installations. Finally, a “queueing system” for grid connection applications, where developers apply without having obtained planning permission, further exacerbates the problem.

While the committee recognized that solar energy no longer requires subsidies due to its cost-effectiveness, installation costs could still present a barrier. In light of this, MPs recommended that the government explore options for facilitating affordable household loans and consider offering a VAT discount on household battery storage.

The committee plans to launch an additional inquiry into the broader issue of grid connectivity in the UK, focusing on the barriers faced by low-carbon technologies. It will also explore the potential for a more innovative and flexible grid system that enables dynamic demand management, peer-to-peer electricity trading, and energy storage.

Philip Dunne, the committee chair, expressed concerns that the delays could hinder the UK’s progress towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

He emphasized the need to promptly address infrastructure and planning issues to unlock the full potential of solar energy and other low-carbon sources. The committee invited stakeholders to submit evidence as part of their ongoing inquiry, recognizing the importance of resolving grid connectivity challenges for a sustainable energy future.

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