Delays in grid connections “real and growing threat” – Turner & Townsend

Delays in securing grid connections are now a “real and growing” threat to construction projects in key regions, according to Turner & Townsend.

In areas including west London, Cambridge and Milton Keynes, grid connection delays are affecting programme viability, Turner & Townsend’s latest UK Market Intelligence report found.

The global professional services company commented that a new “first ready, first connected” system prioritised “shovel-ready” projects but may not deliver relief to the grid squeeze in the short term, with the elevated demand for electricity.

It said developers’ early engagement on energy access, “proactive connection planning and expert advice” would be essential. Developers should move to an “energy first” focus, “because in today’s market, no power often means no project”.

In its report, Turner & Townsend warned that with electricity demand forecast to double by 2050, securing a timely power connection was now a core project risk, alongside planning and finance.

It stated: “Surging demand for electricity is placing huge pressure on the UK’s already-stretched grid infrastructure. In key regions, delays in securing grid connections are now a real and growing threat to project timelines.”

In July 2022, the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) announced that connection …