#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

 

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