Feature: Power
in small steps, and many different players in the power industry are being listened to. Tat includes IDNOs like Eclipse Power.
Active engagement in key working groups Eclipse Power has taken an active role in key working groups for reforming the industry codes that underpin the whole electricity and gas wholesale and retail markets. We are helping shape one of the code areas, Connection and Use of Systems Code (CUSC), within which is a number of steering and working groups that Eclipse Power is part of. I participate in working group CMP435
– officially the ‘application of Gate 2 Criteria to existing contracted background’. Tis is the working group charged with modifying existing processes to allow existing viable projects that are closer to being ready to progress to connections than others. Eclipse is also represented on CMP434
by our Senior Regulatory Analyst, Bill Scott. Tis group is exploring the wholesale revision of the connections process for new projects, to meet net zero targets and the needs of project developers and consumers. Te outcomes of both working groups
will enable projects that are most ready to progress more rapidly to connection – a welcome reform from the ‘first in the queue, first served’ system. Te Clean Power 2030 proposals are being worked into these existing code modifications and added to the Connections Reform. Essentially, this will involve quotas of technology types in each area to meet the 2030 and 2035 forecasts. So, even if a project has met Gate 2, it might still not be able to connect until a later date if it falls outside of the quota. Also being considered is the introduction of additional costs to secure capacity, including a floor on security payments until a financial investment decision is reached. Tis floor is currently £20k/MW.
What should you do now? In the meantime, as we wait for the next iteration of the connections reform to come into play, projects need to secure power connections. By participating in CMP 435 – reforms for the existing queue and CMP 434 – reforming the processes for new
applications, Eclipse Power Solutions is continuing to offer informed and pragmatic to help customers get their projects ready to progress to connection. My advice to anyone with a current or
future connection requirement is to get your Gate 2 criteria ready to go, which could enable advancement to move up the queue. Gate 2 criteria includes having land rights (or an option to lease or purchase) and a pathway to submit planning by an agreed date. Te timeframes are two years to secure planning for town and country planning, three if the project classifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). I would caution that there is still some
uncertainty around what the criteria / methodologies are for being in Gate 2. Personally, I would like there to be greater transparency around the discussions so that we can advocate for our customers more and ensure that what people are being told about the connections queue and processes is correct. Tis concern really stems from the customer-focused mindset we have at Eclipse. Aſter all, many of us come from a developer background, and we know what we would want to be told in the developer’s position.
Stand fast and await developments In summary, there is a great deal happening in the world of connections reform. It’s very much an iterative process. Te actual steps forward may be small, but they are being taken carefully and involve consultations with multiple stakeholders to ensure that they provide the firm foundation necessary to take the UK’s energy grid forward to a net zero future. IDNOs have played a vital role in
challenging the notion of ‘business as usual’, as that simply won’t allow the pace or direction of reform that is urgently required. At Eclipse, our strength is getting good
projects connected and seeing them succeed, which is all part of our belief in the mission to decarbonise the electricity system. Rest assured, we will continue to keep our customers and others updated on developments in connections reform. ‘Change is happening, it will be for the
best, but it will take time. We’ll be here to help you navigate the changes – whatever they may be.’
www.electronicsworld.co.uk November 2024 17
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