The Connectology® Podcast by Roadnight Taylor

#75 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part 4 with David Wildash, Chief Strategy Officer, Apatura

In the final episode of The Demand Connection Conundrum series, Connectologist® Pete Aston and colleague Philip Bale speak with David Wildash, Chief Strategy Officer at Apatura, exploring how strategic demand placement in Scotland could unlock a £45 billion market opportunity while reducing curtailment costs for all consumers.
The core opportunity: Apatura is developing 2.3GW of data centre demand in Scotland's central belt, positioning major loads where excess renewables exist—benefiting the system and end consumers.
Key Issues
Generation-demand inequity – After 15-20 years of de-industrialization, the UK system lacks frameworks for connecting major industrial loads at transmission level
Global competition – Capital flows to locations offering quick, resilient, cost-effective connections; UK risks losing to Europe
Bay scarcity – Transmission substations filled by generation connections
SQSS rigidity – Three-bay requirement above 300-350MW when dual bays could suffice for data centres with backup systems
Electricity Act ambiguity – Unclear whether transformers constitute transmission assets
David's Solutions
Transformer classification clarity – In Scotland, TOs build to isolators; generators own transformers. Simply moving where isolators and transformers sit could enable demand connections—if transformers aren't classified as transmission assets.
Co-location questions – When pairing BESS (with generation license) and demand, does the generation license enable transmission ownership?
Demand license regime – Replicate generation license framework, provided grid code evolves appropriately
SQSS flexibility – Industrial customers with UPS and backup generation shouldn't face same security standards as domestic supply
Strategic placement – Locating demand where renewables exist reduces curtailment costs—"a slam dunk from a system operator perspective"
David's six-month goal: Electricity Act clarity on transmission asset definitions—the quickest unlock requiring no primary legislation.
 
Listen to the full series:
📌 Part 1 - Pete Aston's Series Introduction: https://youtu.be/8x3yP-kGF60?si=QnytC6Yh-d3HgVzh
📌 Part 2 - Ryan Adams (Innova): https://youtu.be/bT-FbWY5FpA?si=Rn-ZWNMokyF13eHQ
📌 Part 3 - Spencer Thompson (Eclipse): https://youtu.be/-tMo5Z99jqs?si=yj9fYFg5tTJAWIuz
 
Recorded 13th November 2025
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
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Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk
 

#74 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part 3 with Spencer Thompson, CEO, Eclipse Power

In this episode, Part 3 of a 4-part series, Connectologist® Pete Aston and colleague Alex Ikonic speak with Spencer Thompson, CEO of Eclipse Power Limited, exploring innovative solutions to transmission-level demand connection challenges.
The core challenge: Data centres need three to four-year connection timelines but, unlike renewables, they're competing directly with Europe for investment—making UK speed critical.
Key Issues
UK competitiveness crisis – Data centres can choose European locations if UK proves too slow
Location paradox – Need London/M4 corridor proximity for latency, but grid capacity there is scarcest
TO inconsistency – NGET doesn't build out to sites; Scottish TOs do
BCA limitations – One legal entity per agreement complicates hybrid projects
Leadership vacuum – Unclear who owns decisions between Ofgem, DESNZ, and NESO
Three Pathways Forward
Case-by-case exemptions for minimal transmission asset projects
Independent Transmission Operator licenses for "last mile" connections
Demand license regime mirroring generation licenses, particularly for hyperscalers
Spencer's six-month goal: industry consensus on multiple connection pathways with clear governmental leadership, applying the urgency demonstrated in Connections Reform.
Listen to the full series:
📌 Part 1 - Pete Aston's Series Introduction: https://youtu.be/8x3yP-kGF60?si=QnytC6Yh-d3HgVzh
📌 Part 2 - Ryan Adams (Innova): https://youtu.be/bT-FbWY5FpA?si=Rn-ZWNMokyF13eHQ
📌 Part 4 - David Wildash (Apatura): https://youtu.be/GYIA569aZ7A?si=RAuvp7O5h7h77iDi
 
Recorded 13th November 2025
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
 Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk
 

#73 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part 2 with Ryan Adams, Managing Director, Innova

In this episode, Part 2 of a 4-part series on The Demand Connection Conundrum, Connectologist® Pete Aston and colleague Kyle Murchie speak with Ryan Adams, Managing Director at Innova, exploring the regulatory barriers preventing hyperscale demand projects—particularly data centres—from connecting efficiently to the transmission network.
The fundamental problem: Demand customers cannot own transmission assets, forcing National Grid to build costly step-down infrastructure that consumes scarce substation space desperately needed for clean power connections.
Key Issues Discussed:
No demand license regime – Unlike generators, demand customers have no regulatory framework to own transmission assets
Massive space inefficiency – Data centres requiring step-down infrastructure consume up to 10x more substation space than direct high-voltage connections
Hybrid project uncertainty – CP30-protected renewables paired with data centres stuck in limbo due to conflicting connection agreement requirements
Geographic inconsistency – Scottish TOs build networks to customer sites; NGET doesn't
Investor confidence erosion – Overlapping policy uncertainties (AI Growth Zones, Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, demand queue curation) make infrastructure investment decisions impossible
Queue curation paradox – Hyperscalers won't commit without connection certainty, but projects can't demonstrate viability without hyperscaler partnerships
 
Ryan's Three Solutions:
Immediate – Ofgem issues clarification letter on Electricity Act interpretation (potentially early 2025)
Near-term – NGET adopts Scottish model, building transmission to customer sites
Strategic – Create demand license regime mirroring generation licenses
 
Ryan emphasizes growing momentum across DESNZ, Ofgem, and NESO, but stresses the need for bold leadership before Gate 2 offers "bake in" current inefficiencies. His six-month goal: either the Ofgem letter or NGET's commitment to build out—both "absolutely doable."
Make sure to listen to Parts 3 and 4 with Spencer Thompson (Eclipse) and David Wildash (Apatura) to explore these issues from different industry perspectives and hear the complete picture of this critical infrastructure challenge.
 
Listen to the full series:
📌 Part 1 - Pete Aston's Series Introduction: https://youtu.be/8x3yP-kGF60?si=QnytC6Yh-d3HgVzh
📌 Part 3 - Spencer Thompson (Eclipse): https://youtu.be/-tMo5Z99jqs?si=yj9fYFg5tTJAWIuz
📌 Part 4 - David Wildash (Apatura): https://youtu.be/GYIA569aZ7A?si=RAuvp7O5h7h77iDi
 
Recorded 13th November 2025
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#72 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part 1

In this episode, Part 1 of The Demand Connection Conundrum series, Connectologist® Pete Aston synthesizes what's to come in Parts 2, 3, and 4—conversations with Ryan Adams (Innova), Spencer Thompson (Eclipse), and David Wildash (Apatura)—exploring critical barriers facing hyperscale demand projects, particularly data centres, attempting to connect to the transmission network.
The core challenge: Demand projects cannot own transmission assets, creating fundamental obstacles as GB competes globally for investment in data centres and other large-scale infrastructure.
Key Issues Identified
Regulatory ambiguity around the Electricity Act's definition of transmission networks ("wholly or mainly of high voltage assets")
Geographic inconsistency: Scottish transmission owners build networks out to customer sites; NGET in England and Wales historically hasn't
Hybrid project uncertainty: unclear whether large demand sites can share connection points with generation technologies
Network security questions: SQSS requirements for 500MW+ demand sites need clarification
Leadership vacuum: risk this critical issue falls between DESNZ, Ofgem, and NESO
Competitive urgency: policy delays threaten GB's ability to attract hyperscale investment globally
Potential Solutions
Near-term (early 2025): Ofgem could issue interpretive guidance on transmission network definitions
Operational: NGET could adopt the Scottish model of building networks out to customer sites
Legislative (longer timeframe): Create a demand license analogous to generation licenses
Make sure to tune in to the three episodes to explore these issues and solutions in more detail, and to hear the different perspectives on these challenges.
Listen to the full series:
📌 Part 2 - Ryan Adams (Innova): https://youtu.be/bT-FbWY5FpA?si=Rn-ZWNMokyF13eHQ
📌 Part 3 - Spencer Thompson (Eclipse): https://youtu.be/-tMo5Z99jqs?si=yj9fYFg5tTJAWIuz
📌 Part 4 - David Wildash (Apatura): https://youtu.be/GYIA569aZ7A?si=RAuvp7O5h7h77iDi
 
Recorded 13th November 2025
 
Our links: Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
 Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk
 

#71 Battery Storage Market Realities with Ed Porter, Modo Energy

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Connectologist® Catherine Cleary speaks with Ed Porter from Modo Energy about where battery storage stands today and what's ahead for developers and investors.
Key topics:
Market maturation – Batteries have moved beyond saturated frequency response into wholesale trading, attracting utilities and institutional investors with serious capital.
Subsidy reality – Batteries account for just 0.5% of UK energy subsidies since 2014 yet deliver strong consumer cost benefits.
Gate 2 challenges – Not all “protected” projects will progress. Oversupplied regions face long connection dates, delayed offers disrupt 2026–27 timelines, and unfrozen liabilities create major risks—especially for hybrid and demand-led sites.
Forecasting gap – Clean Power 2030 targets 27GW by 2030, but Modo’s market-led modelling points closer to 55GW long term, highlighting why flexibility matters more than fixed forecasts.
Grid-forming reality check – Stability services pay ~£10k/MW/year versus £80–90k/MW needed for viability. Grid-forming should enable higher renewables and reduced gas use—not stand-alone business cases.
Falling costs: the game-changer – A 20–30% drop in upfront costs over the last 18 months has transformed battery economics, outweighing most revenue-side changes.
Smarter dispatch (GC0166) – Batteries can now report available energy directly, enabling more efficient and flexible system operation.
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk
 

#70 Holding networks to account with Alasdair MacMillan, Head of Policy - Electricity Connections, Ofgem

Ofgem's Connections End-to-End Review: Standards, Accountability, and the Path Forward 
Connectologist® Kyle Murchie speaks with Alasdair MacMillan from Ofgem about the connections end-to-end review, examining the entire customer journey from feasibility through energisation and beyond. 
Ofgem's review (published December 2025) addresses increased standards of service and timely connection delivery. The document contains immediate decisions moving into implementation and proposals for consultation (open until 27 February 2026). 
Key elements: 
Demand capacity register: Developers gain visibility of demand in specific areas, helping them understand available capacity and make informed decisions 
Journey milestones: Proposed new requirements beyond time-to-quote obligations, with GSOP-style penalties or licence-based enforcement if missed—focused on prevention through transparency 
Accountability for missed dates: Extending GSOPs to transmission with transparent industry-wide reporting. Also explores liquidated damages (currently set at zero) 
Connection date ranges: Developers receive ranges with ambitious front-end dates (potentially rewarded) and backstop dates (with penalties). Ranges narrow as uncertainty reduces 
Quality of offers: With Gate 2 approaching, ensuring offers are clear and understandable. Alasdair urges networks: act now, don't wait for formal requirements 
Your consultation response, backed by evidence and specific examples, helps Ofgem understand where regulatory intervention can prove most effective. Whether you're a developer, network company, or industry stakeholder, your insight matters. Consultation closes 27 February 2026. 
View the Connections end-to-end review: updated proposals and next steps here:  
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/connections-end-end-review-updated-proposals-and-next-steps 
Our links:  
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/  
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/  
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/  
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk 
 

#69 Grid News and Views 15 - Has Connections Reform really failed?

NESO's unveiling of the new queue last Monday came with the surprising announcement that very few projects have been considered for advancement, with several DNOs announcing on the same day that all advancement requests for embedded projects in their networks had been rejected. In this Connectology® episode, Connectologists® Pete Aston, Alex Ikonic, Nikki Pillinger, and Catherine Cleary explore the capacity realities across different technologies, the surprising lack of advancement opportunities, and the tight timelines developers now face.
Technology specific results were much as expected and in the most competitive pots such as battery storage and Scottish onshore wind only projects which have already gained planning consent have made it into the new queue. Onshore wind remains the only technology with meaningful remaining headroom in England and Wales for future Gate 2 windows.
The podcast explores: 
Advancement disappointment: Why very few projects received advancement despite numerous requests, with distribution projects seeing none—particularly surprising given DNOs and transmission operators had already held positive engineering conversations on specific schemes 
Critical timelines ahead: Protected customers receive offers January-March, with all 2030 offers by end Q2. Several DNOs require acceptance within four weeks, with securities potentially needed upfront before DNOs sign their own transmission offers 
What's next: SSEP delay to end 2027 means next year's windows limited to unfilled capacity. Built projects with January 2026 energization dates now face multi-year delays from failed enabling works delivery. 
The team also discusses the confirmed Project Commitment Fee structure and emphasizes the dedication of DNO connection teams working past midnight to deliver notifications under intense pressure. 
Recorded 10 December 2025
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#68 Addressing Connection Uncertainty – Part 1 – with Graham Pannell, BayWa r.e

Do grid connection challenges persist because critical voices are being kept at arm’s length? Connectologists® Catherine Cleary and Kyle Murchie sit down with Graham Pannell, BayWa r.e‘s Head of Grid and Electricity Regulation, to explore why formal industry forums delivered transformational policy improvements—and why we urgently need them reinstated.
Graham brings 15-20 years of sharp-end policy development experience. His track record speaks volumes: the DG Forum delivered heat maps, capacity registers, application fees, queue management milestones, and the Incentive on Connections Engagement—all because developers and network operators sat in rooms together to solve real problems.
Graham’s current disconnect:
Uncertainty blocking delivery: Protected projects for 2026-2028 can’t align programmes, procure equipment, or coordinate outages because basic engineering conversations aren’t happening
NESO’s perception gap: A recent advisory day revealed their list of “key problems” bore little resemblance to what developers actually face
Procurement crisis: TO costs have nearly doubled for some asset types, with £800k quotes for equipment worth £80-160k
The concertina effect: Months of delays compressing into impossible 2027 delivery windows
What Graham says is needed: bilateral engineering conversations between protected projects, customer account managers, and TOs to align construction programmes before Gate 2 offers arrive. Sensible modification frameworks could allow proportionate date adjustments by mutual consent preventing unnecessary project failures.
Recorded 12 November 2025
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#67 Grid News and Views - Episode 14

Connectologists® Kyle, Catherine, and Philip are joined by Alex in her first Grid News & Views as a Connectologist®, covering Connections Reform developments, code modifications, and emerging challenges as Gate 2 offers approach.
Ofgem has confirmed a backstop-only role in disputes, meaning developers must now work through all NESO processes and arbitration before escalation—making a clear understanding of NESO’s complaint routes more important than ever.
Gate 2 pressures intensify:• Transmission decisions due by Dec 2025 (with some DNOs signalling delays), distribution by Q1 2026• Offer acceptance windows: 3 months for transmission, 4 weeks for distribution• Milestone guidance looks strict, though planning-related flexibility exists• A 6-month planning-to-construction window still overlooks financing and sales realities
Also in this episode:• Demand uncertainty: NESO’s RFI seeks sensitive commercial info without clarity on use; CMP417 delays to 2026 mean continued over-securitisation; TIA thresholds swing wildly from 1MW to 50MW across DNOs• SGT charging: DCP461 could see GSP reinforcement costs socialised via DUoS (consultation closes 28 Nov)• Operational risks: ANM schemes need clearer constraint rules, and abnormal network running continues to cause surprise curtailment with no mandatory DNO reporting
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#66 Grid News and Views - Episode 13

Connectologists® Pete Aston and Kyle Murchie are back with the latest Grid News and Views! After a four-month break, they dive into the big changes shaping Britain's grid connections — from NESO's new Gate 2 timeline to long-awaited reforms in network charging.
They break down what the new Gate 2 process really means for developers: complex timelines, delayed offers, and growing uncertainty around project acceptance and design changes. Pete and Kyle also unpack the latest on connection charging — including DCP461 and CMP460, two major reforms aiming to fix how shared infrastructure costs are split across projects.
Plus, they tackle the UK's unexpected demand boom: data centres now make up most of the 100+ GW of new demand in the queue — more than Britain's entire current peak demand! What does this mean for future connections, system design, and government policy?
If you're working in energy, development, or infrastructure, this episode is your quick guide to the fast-moving world of grid connections and reform.
 
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