The energy watchdog has introduced rules to speed up the amount of time it takes energy projects to connect to the national grid and begin powering it.

New Ofgem regulation will allow stalled energy schemes to be kicked off the list of generators and storage projects waiting to be connected, freeing up space for ready-to-go projects to provide energy to the grid.

At present, a first come, first served system for connection is in place, whereby a long queue means newer energy schemes are not powering homes and businesses, despite being in a position to do so.

It’s led to a queue of projects with the ability to generate 400 gigawatts of power – the capacity to meet more than Britain’s energy needs – waiting to be hooked up, behind so-called zombie projects.

Some can wait years to be plugged in.

Such of these projects may be “speculative”, Ofgem said, or unviable but have applied for a connection ahead of newer projects that are ready to feed the grid.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Under the new rules, dates for meeting production targets will be included into connection contracts. If the energy projects don’t meet those dates, they can be removed from the connection waitlist.

Funds giant Schroders takes shine to collapsed solar group Toucan

Major energy suppliers to pay £10.8m for not meeting smart meter targets

Customers to again be paid for not using electricity as Ofgem approves Demand Flexibility Service for this winter

“We want new power on the grid as quickly as possible, so if you’re ready, you can connect sooner. If you’re not ready and are blocking the progress of others, you’ll be removed – you can’t sit on the queue with no consequences,” said Eleanor Warburton, Ofgem’s deputy director for institutions for net zero energy systems management and security.

Read more from Sky News:
‘Damning’ report calls for major National Grid changes
No emergency coal-fired power to keep lights on this winter

Later this month, on 27 November, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) will publish guidance on how the new powers will be used with the first removals likely to happen as early as 2024, Ofgem said.

From then all customers with an existing connection agreement will be given the option of having queue management milestones applied to the existing connection date or they can submit a modified application which will have new queue management dates.

The new rules had already been promised by the National Grid ESO.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

“This is a milestone moment in the ESO’s efforts to lead the transformation of the grid connections process, making it fit for purpose for a modern network that is rapidly evolving and decarbonising,” said the chief engineer and head of networks at the ESO, Julian Leslie.

“The ESO will be uncompromising in our approach to driving out projects that cannot meet their connection date, paving the way for more viable projects that have a real chance of plugging into the grid, energising the UK economy.”

Related posts:

Ex-Aviva CEO Wilson to run new insurance venture Abacai When outdoor areas reopen, which parts of the country are more likely to be serving pints? Winter holiday bookings slow thanks to travel ‘speculation’ says Jet 2 Johnson pledges legal help to woo electric vehicle giant Rivian to Britain Bitcoin slides to five-month low amid wider sell-off King dethroned as Thai group Minor wins £60m battle for The Wolseley Chelsea FC sale: Dividend ban and debt limits feature in ‘anti-Glazer’ takeover deal There is a clear need for action on the cost of living crisis Drivers at 12 rail companies target Tory conference through fresh strikes Mike Ashley gives Frasers Group £100m funding as board exit nears Holland & Barrett owner LetterOne proposes £890m debt deal with lenders FTSE 100 gambling giant Flutter places bet on next chairman