Right now, we need an open and frank discussion about delivering power to projects when there are no new grid connections available in the UK until 2035. The country needs to unlock economic growth today, not in ten years’ time. Many infrastructure projects, both on the demand and supply side, have a long lead in time and take years to develop.
Businesses need to take a strategic approach and explore possible solutions, today. Not every aspect of the power equation can be solved with a microgrid. It is certainly not a panacea, however, they can be delivered at a bigger scale than has been previously rolled out in the UK.
The aim is not to push the national grid back to where it was many decades ago with hundreds of private networks that are not joined up. It’s about supporting the national grid in this transition phase as it expands rapidly. The aim is to facilitate its growth but only by connecting supply to the national grid when it has capacity.
If businesses get this right it could be an attractive, investable financial product. There is lot of money, globally, looking to invest in scalable renewable energy generation coupled with guaranteed demand. Self-contained private wire networks offer possibilities.
In this era of grid constraint it is important for businesses to explore opportunities and question the status quo. So come talk to us. This is not a solution for every business. But there are opportunities. Hoare Lea has developed lots of private wire networks. It is time to scale up. It is also crucial derisk the power and grid connection equation.
It takes quite a few million pounds to develop even a small wind farm and can take at least six years, if not 10 years to develop. It is why we need to start now.
Rachel Ruffle, CEO, PEP UK
The National Grid have created the problem, but this is now a significant opportunity for the private investor.
David Young, Consultant, CX Power
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Contributors
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the following leaders and experts who contributed ideas and insights to this report:
Report written and consulted on by Nick Easen Chris Catterick Operations Director, SES
Daniel Hartley Group Lead Engineer for Building Systems, Manchester Airport Group
Rachel Ruffle CEO, PEP UK
David Young Consultant, CX Power
Hoare Lea contributors
Anna Fredlander Social Value Consultant, Hoare Lea Laurence Johnson Principal, Utility & Energy Infrastructure Group, Hoare Lea Andy Warrack Technology Division Director, Hoare Lea
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