07/06/2023 | Grid

Ofgem’s new net zero mandate will help to connect clean energy projects to the grid faster

07 June 2023 - RenewableUK press release


Responding to the Government’s announcement that it will update the energy regulator Ofgem’s mandate to include a specific duty to help the Government to reach its net zero target, RenewableUK’s Director of Future Electricity Systems Barnaby Wharton said:


“The Government’s landmark decision to give Ofgem a new duty to deliver net zero is essential to change how we prioritise building vital new infrastructure to connect clean energy projects to the grid.


“We’ve been calling for this key amendment as a matter of urgency to tackle the glacial pace at which grid is approved and built. Some offshore wind projects are having to wait for more than ten years to get a grid connection. This measure will help to unlock at least £15 billion of investment in offshore wind alone between now and the end of the decade.


“As wind is our cheapest source of new power, consumers will benefit from lower bills as we connect up more projects faster. The decision will also strengthen Britain’s energy security,  moving us closer towards energy independence”.


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Notes


RenewableUK’s members are building our future energy system, powered by clean electricity. We bring them together to deliver that future faster; a future which is better for industry, billpayers, and the environment. We support over 470 member companies to ensure increasing amounts of renewable electricity are deployed across the UK and to access export markets all over the world. Our members are business leaders, technology innovators, and expert thinkers from right across industry.


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