The Connectology® Podcast by Roadnight Taylor

#65 Data Centre Realities with Alan Pritchard, FarrPoint

In this episode of the Connectology podcast, Connectologist® Pete Aston sits down with Alan Pritchard from FarrPoint to explore the booming world of data centres – the hidden infrastructure powering everything from cloud services to artificial intelligence.
Alan explains what data centres are, why they've suddenly become headline news, and how they've grown from anonymous grey boxes to critical national infrastructure. He shares insights into the sheer scale and cost of these projects – with a 100MW facility costing around £1 billion – and why the UK's total capacity is still just 1.5GW.
The episode covers:
Why London became the UK’s data centre hub, and how Ireland’s low-tax policy turned Dublin into Europe’s hotspot
The “three-legged stool” of land, power, and connectivity – with power the biggest challenge
How AI is driving unprecedented demand, with government-backed “AI growth zones” building sovereign digital capability
The future: renewable-powered facilities, new technologies, and the premium cost of sovereignty
Alongside this episode, we've released our Comprehensive Data Centre Report, which reveals that half of UK developers underestimate connection times by seven years — a gap that can make or break projects. The report also highlights barriers around grid access, energy pricing, and clean power investment.
👉 https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/powering-great-britains-data-centre-ambitions/
Whether you're an energy developer, tech insider, or simply curious about the digital engines behind your smartphone and streaming services, this episode offers a fascinating and timely look at the future of digital infrastructure.
 

#64 What power parks can solve, and how, with Mikey Clark, CEO, Relode

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, we sit down with Mikey Clark, CEO of Relode Energy, to explore how the UK’s energy infrastructure must evolve to meet rising demand—from transport to ports to AI.
We unpack the idea of power parks and the practical steps needed to electrify hard-to-reach sectors.
Key Conversation Points:
Mikey’s journey from infrastructure projects to energy innovation
What power parks are and why they matter
How these hubs support:
Electric HGVs and fleet operators
Port decarbonisation 
High-demand users like AI and logistics firms
Bridging the gap between National Grid, industry, and regulators
Challenges in connecting to the grid—and how Reload solves them
If you're in energy, logistics, or infrastructure—or just curious how we’ll keep the lights on in a net-zero world—this episode offers real-world solutions and forward-thinking insight from someone building the future of energy.
Recorded 24 June 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

#63 Questioning the caps and SSEP transparency with Ed Birkett, New Projects Director, Low Carbon

The UK’s grid is at breaking point. Thousands of energy projects are stuck in the queue, and many may never get built. In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Ed Birkett from Low Carbon joins Kyle Murchie and Catherine Cleary to explain what’s going wrong—and what needs to change.
Together, they dive into the challenges facing the UK’s grid connection process, from overloaded queues to “zombie projects” that block real progress.
Key topics discussed includes:
• Why the grid queue is five times bigger than it needs to be
• The risks of relying too heavily on uncertain technologies like floating offshore wind
• Why project drop-out (attrition) is being ignored—and how that could derail 2030 clean power targets
• The need for public consultation and better data in future planning
• How co-locating solar and battery storage can ease pressure on the grid—but is being overlooked
Ed also sounds the alarm on how secretive and rushed decision-making could lead to poor outcomes—and why transparency is essential as we move toward the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in renewable energy, policy, or planning in the UK!
Ed's LinkedIn post - what are the risks in NESO's reforms to the grid queue? https://www.linkedin.com/posts/edwardbirkett_lc-response-to-ofgem-connections-reform-m2-activity-7309878224090464257-Rk4j?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABcpJLkBqpA9EUs8BicHQToAo6NV08hd4lU
 
Recorded 08 July 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

#62 Super Grid Transformer Charging - #2 the full version

Super Grid Transformer (SGT) charging remains a critical but unresolved issue in the energy sector. The focus on Connections Reform meant progress on SGT charging stalled. Now that Connections Reform is taking shape, it’s time to turn attention back to this challenge.
To help move the conversation forward, we brought together a range of industry voices —Innova, Octopus Energy Generation, Centrica and Diageo — for a round-table discussion. Kyle Murchie and Pete Aston then spoke one-on-one with each participant about their experiences and ideas for solutions.
This longer podcast captures those in-depth conversations. If you’re looking for a shorter overview, visit our SGT charging highlights podcast.
The podcasts explore how today’s SGT charging framework affects project delivery, investor confidence, and the path to net zero. They also consider initial ideas for change — including greater transparency, clearer codification, and options like socialising costs.
 
 
Recorded 13 May 2025
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#61 Super Grid Transformer Charging - #1 the highlights

Super Grid Transformer (SGT) has been a hot topic for some time (indeed Roadnight Taylor issued an open letter to Ofgem in 2023) but the issue remains unresolved with progress stalled as the industry focused on delivering Connections Reform. With key aspects of that reform now in place, attention can return to SGT charging — an area that has seen little movement compared to other code modifications already underway.
There’s growing recognition that this gap needs addressing, especially as Ofgem and network operators are beginning to show renewed interest and propose solutions — though often from specific standpoints. As the issue becomes increasingly urgent, Roadnight Taylor hosted a round table of experts from across the energy and development sectors. Representatives from Innova, Octopus Energy Generation, Centrica and Diageo shared their experiences as various types of developers and connectees.
Rather than seeking to define a final solution, the roundtable aimed to generate informed discussion that could support future working groups. Following the session, Kyle Murchie and Pete Aston recorded individual interviews with each participant to explore their specific challenges and proposed solutions.
These conversations have been produced as two podcast episodes:
this highlights version and
an extended edition with deeper insights from each participant.
The podcasts discuss the current SGT charging arrangements, their impact on project viability, investment decisions, and decarbonisation goals. They also explore early ideas for reform, such as socialisation of costs, codification, and improved transparency. They aim to drive the conversation forward and build momentum toward establishing a formal working group that can deliver a fair, practical solution for SGT charging.
 
Recorded 13 May 2025
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#59 NESO's essentials for Gate 2 evidence success - Guest Series with Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform, NESO

Roadnight Taylor is delighted to welcome Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform at NESO, to this episode of the Connectology ® podcast!
Matt shares his experience from leading one of the biggest overhauls in the UK energy sector—fixing a broken grid connections system and tackling a huge project queue. With his background as an energy ombudsman, he brings a fresh perspective on the challenges and urgency of making change happen.
In this episode, Matt and the Connectologists® discuss:
Why the current system needs reform
What developers often get wrong in their submissions
How NESO is helping projects stay on track
Why early, accurate applications matter more than ever
And how all this ties into the UK’s clean energy goals for 2030
If you’re a developer, investor, or just following the energy transition, this is a must-listen. Matt offers practical advice, honest reflections, and a look at what’s next.
Recorded 30 June 2025
Our links:
Registration for the NESO portal run through on Friday 4 July 
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#60 Grid News and Views - Episode 12

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Connectologists® Pete Aston, Catherine Cleary, and Nikki Pillinger unpack the latest developments in grid connections, Gate 2 timelines, and ongoing industry reforms. With some DNOs now issuing grid variation offers with just 10–14 days to accept, developers are facing serious time pressure—especially when terms are unclear or revised.
The team explores when and how it may be possible to push for more time and why being prepared matters more than ever.
They also run through key Gate 2 milestones:
• Application window: 8–29 July
• NESO decisions expected in September
• Offers issued from October (for transmission) and from January (for distribution) Submitting early is strongly recommended—leaving it late could mean delays, basic application rejections, or missing the window altogether. But getting an offer is only half the battle.
The team digs into whether these Gate 2 offers will actually be deliverable, given the rising costs and complexity developers are facing.
Major challenges include:
• High SGT reinforcement costs
• Large security and liability obligations
• Risky curtailment terms
• More demanding application and deposit requirements
With submissions due by 29 July and NESO support limited from 6 August, time is running short.
 
Recorded 24 June 2025
 
Our links: Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect...
Follow us on LinkedIn: / roadnight-taylor-ltd
Find if we fit at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#58 Grid News and Views - Episode 11

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Connectologists® Pete Aston, Philip Bale, and Kyle Murchie break down the latest on Connections Reform—especially what it means for developers navigating Gate 2 applications.
The podcast discusses:
Why Gate 2 matters: If your project won’t connect before July 2025, you must submit a Gate 2 application to avoid slipping back to Gate 1.
Transmission vs. DNO offers: They’re not the same—understand how they differ and what that means for your project.
Watch out for variations: Some DNO offer changes may include unexpected clauses or outdated cost info.
Don’t miss your milestones: Projects with tight timelines risk losing protections under CP2030 if milestones aren’t managed proactively.
Better data = better planning: From outage risks to queue positions, clearer data is essential—but still not guaranteed.
Private to IDNO connections: Sounds simple, but it’s often a complex, approval-heavy process with hidden hurdles.
Learn from the Connectologists® how to make your Gate 2 application stand out—by submitting accurate plans, a solid summary, and clear land info to keep your project on track.
This episode is packed with insights to help developers stay ahead in a fast-changing grid environment!
 
Recorded 30 May 2025
Our links: Website:https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#57 Project Commitment Fee - Guest Series with Alex Ikonic, Grid Engineer, Ørsted

This episode of the Connectology® podcast dives into the evolving Project Commitment Fee (PCF) with special guest Alex Ikonic, Grid Engineer at Ørsted, who brings insights from the CMP448 CUSC work group. The PCF—originally proposed by NESO as a £20,000/MW bond—has been revised to a phased fee starting at £2,500/MW, rising to £10,000/MW, and triggered only if 6 GW of post-Gate 2 generation projects are terminated.
The discussion highlights:
Who the PCF applies too
How termination or tech downsizing would result in partial or full fee loss
How self-termination discounts are being explored
Key risks, including rushed, low-quality planning applications, pressure on offshore timelines, and wider concerns around investor confidence and Clean Power 2030 delivery.
Listen now to hear why Ørsted and Roadnight Taylor are voting against the current proposal—for now—and why they believe we should give Connections Reform a chance before bringing in new penalties.

#56 Distribution milestone, intolerance and a green light for smaller projects

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Connectologists® Kyle Murchie and Pete Aston break down two major updates that could change the game for energy developers.
First up: CMP446. Ofgem has approved a big shift—raising the Transmission Impact Assessment (TIA) threshold in England and Wales from 1MW to 5MW (based on export capacity). That means fewer small and mid-sized projects need to go through the slow and complex TIA process. It’s great news for community energy schemes and demand-heavy sites—but Scotland is left out, with the threshold still set at 200kW.
Then, we dive into the hot topic of queue management. The new rules bring in stricter deadlines—especially the tough two-month window to submit planning after accepting a DNO offer. Miss it, and your project could be kicked out of the queue. Kyle and Pete raise serious concerns about the lack of formal consultation and how this shift could hurt good projects simply due to unrealistic timelines. This episode is packed with practical insights and a clear message: developers need to speak up now.
These changes are coming fast—and feedback from the frontlines could help shape a better, fairer system.
Recorded 13 May 2025 Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect...
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newslet...
Follow us on LinkedIn:   / roadnight-taylor-ltd  
 
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk