#48 Guest series with Merlin Hyman, Chief Executive, Regen and Joe Colebrook, Head of Grid Connections, Innova

Join Connectologists® Pete Aston and Nikki Pillinger as they welcome two special guests: Merlin Hyman, Chief Executive of Regen, and Joe Colebrook, Head of Grid Connections at Innova. Together, they dive into the complexities of Grid Connections Reform and what it means for developers, policymakers, and the entire industry.

Key topics discussed include:

Connection Process Changes – they discuss the complexities and uncertainties of Connections Reform, including queue reshuffling and new criteria for readiness and strategic alignment. This introduces the uncertainty for developers and the challenges which they face, including supply chain delays, planning uncertainties, and the potential risks of reshuffling projects in the queue.

Developer Challenges - the ambiguity surrounding criteria like “construction readiness” and the impact of reshuffling on projects, as well as the broader issues, such as technical limits and the interaction between distribution and transmission policies are discussed.

Financial Instruments - the proposed £20,000 per MW financial security requirement sparks debate. It’s argued that it risks stifling competition and disproportionately affecting smaller developers, stressing the need to assess whether financial instruments remain necessary.

Planning for Net Zero - the team praise the ambition of the Clean Power 2030 Plan but call for greater transparency in defining technology and regional capacity targets. The conversation underscores the tension between market-driven approaches and more centralized, strategic planning.

The Path Forward – the panel agrees that collaboration, transparency, and evidence-based feedback are vital for refining reforms. They encourage active participation in consultations to shape a competitive and efficient energy transition.

The episode explores the sweeping changes in grid connections, balancing optimism for accelerated progress toward net zero with critical evaluation of policy details. We encourage you to engage in the consultations and advocate for solutions that ensure a competitive, equitable, and efficient energy transition.

 

Recorded 19 November 2024

Our links:

Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/

Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/

Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk