After the Connection Queue is filtered by Gate 2 (see previous episode), the Connections Network Design Methodology (CNDM) sets how the Connection Queue will be re-ordered and sorted to allocate capacity and substation connection points.

In this episode, Brian & Damian run through step-by-step how NESO plans for this to work, alongside raising some discussion points and issues that you may want to raise in your consultation response. If you want to get your head around the CNDM consultation in 20 minutes, this episode is a great way to start.

Links to useful reference materials:

Reform Consultation Timeline: https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ongoing-Upcoming-Industry-Consultations-esmart-Networks.png

6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/download

NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reform

Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q

Listen to the podcast here:

Spotify: https://ow.ly/3mFo50Ubyf4

Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/wQIM50UbyeK

YouTube: https://ow.ly/wGM350UbyeN

Web Player: https://ow.ly/yGUv50UbyeP

YouTube: https://youtu.be/M8RFUosjs_s

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Part 5 in the Connection Reform mini-series follows Part 4 by delving into the next most important Consultation: Gate 2. The Gate 2 Methodology will govern what a project needs to do to be considered for capacity and a 'firm' connection offer.

This is essential listening for project developers, those involved in project land acquisition, and project investors who want to understand key risks to large-scale Data Centres, Solar, Battery, and other types of projects. Gate 2 is the first step in deciding the winners and losers in the connection queue.

Links to useful reference materials:

Reform Consultation Timeline: https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ongoing-Upcoming-Industry-Consultations-esmart-Networks.png

6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/download

NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reform

Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q

Listen to the podcast here:

Spotify: https://ow.ly/pokq50U9KlW

Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/j2BY50U9KlT

YouTube: https://ow.ly/gtFn50U9KlU

Web Player: https://ow.ly/nThq50U9KlS

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With a deluge of consultations and documents having just been released covering a lot more detail on how getting connected to the grid will change, Brian & Damian provide a high-level summary of all of the current consultations, what they cover, how they interlink and most importantly key deadlines.

They then delve into the first consultation to close, CMP434, which sets the high-level framework for connection reform. This episode provides anyone with a good starting point on Connection reform and will help you make sense of everything that's going on.

Links to useful reference materials:

Reform Consultation Timeline: https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ongoing-Upcoming-Industry-Consultations-esmart-Networks.png

6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/download

NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reform

Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q

Listen to the podcast here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dcNXoW21ahJa2LqrXM6jr?si=iKqrvOnHTqqjEQtFYQRySw

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/connection-reform-the-big-updates-new-consultations/id1609969567?i=1000677056077

Web Player: https://esmartnetworks-the-grid.captivate.fm/episode/connection-reform-the-big-updates-new-consultations-released-nov-24-part-4-

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Brian Moorhead, our Grid Consultancy Director, provides an update on the big topic of Connection Reform and where things are at following NGESO's formal consultation. In this condensed 15-minute episode, we focus on three key areas of concern and what's now happening regarding the next steps. Spoiler alert - there are some big issues in the current proposals!

Links to useful reference materials:

6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/download

NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reform

Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q

Listen to the podcast here:

Spotify: https://ow.ly/vL4v50T8ki2

Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/UK5o50T8khV

YouTube: https://ow.ly/n98p50T8ki5

Web Player: https://ow.ly/R3OI50T8khZ

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Delve into part 2 of our connections reform recap!

Fundamental Connection Reform to change GB's 'First come, first serve' system to 'First ready, First Connect' targets implementation from January 2025.

This is big...it will directly or indirectly impact anyone seeking to connect to the Grid and will significantly change how many projects get connected. In this two-part episode Brian and David walk through what the current proposals are for the new system, what are the big unknowns and what should investors/developers be aware of at this stage.

Links to useful reference materials:

6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/docum...

NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/indus...

Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q

Listen to the podcast here:

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dwmeRVky

Apple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eHaUW7Ky

YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ezhYzaRF

Web Player: https://lnkd.in/ey9pqyKf

Follow us on our social media channels:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esma...

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

Fundamental Connection Reform to change GB's 'First come, first serve' system to 'First ready, First Connect' targets implementation from January 2025.

This is big...it will directly or indirectly impact anyone seeking to connect to the Grid and will significantly change how many projects get connected. In this two-part episode Brian and David walk through what the current proposals are for the new system, what are the big unknowns and what should investors/developers be aware of at this stage.

Links to useful reference materials:

6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/docum...

NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/indus...

Capacity Crunch: State of play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): [https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q]

Listen to the podcast here:

Spotify: https://ow.ly/ooES50Saz9H

Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/HCKH50Saza1

YouTube: https://ow.ly/M9wO50Saz9X

Web Player: https://ow.ly/YoEY50Saz9N

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Brian Moorhead & David McDonald talk you through the major changes that are just around the corner for grid connections in the UK.

For anyone with export capacity connections in the queue (connection offer accepted): we strongly recommend starting to do your homework for the recent Distribution and Transmission Networks Operators joint call to action.

All projects are required to provide information on planning status and land rights for all export capacity grid connections (some DNOs have specified >1MW only, we recommend you clarify this if <1MW).

Responding on time with the right information could be the difference between having 15 years added to your connection date, or having it accelerated. Export capacity for all accepted offers in the current queue is at risk.

➡️ Listen Now:

Spotify: https://ow.ly/ookr50S3LuM

Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/AFvy50S3LuP

YouTube: https://ow.ly/AtXZ50S3LuU

Web Player: https://ow.ly/RARB50S3LuV

Like and subscribe to stay tuned.

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2023 Grid Connections Reform Review: 2023 could have been one of the busiest years in living memory for reforms around how all types of new development connect to the Grid. In Part 1, Grid Consultancy Director Brian Moorhead and Technical Director David McDonald look back at the key changes announced throughout 2023, along with some highlights on what to look out for in 2024.

Brian & David will be back in Part 2 to delve into some of the key items in more detail along with some expert analysis of what it means for new projects in 2024.

➡️Listen Now:

Spotify: https://ow.ly/3xyc50Qs06m

Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/6PZr50Qs06A

Google Podcast: https://ow.ly/hF8i50Qs06C

Web Player: https://ow.ly/Kv8550Qs06l

Like and subscribe to stay tuned.

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In this episode, we discuss the transition away from SF6 in switchgear across all voltages and how this might impact grid connections for energy transition projects such as EV charging, Renewables and Industrial Electrification. 

Whilst transitioning away from SF6 is necessary, managing the impact of the transition and its impact on projects and the wider energy transition is also essential. 

The SF6 transition is underway but at different speeds and scales across the different network companies in the UK, which may cause trouble for project developers.

We also discuss some of the key risks and considerations, including spatial constraints and timescale challenges, that project developers should be aware of.

➡️Listen Now:

Spotify: https://ow.ly/qXil50PY0fX

Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/xPfh50PY0f4

Google Podcast: https://ow.ly/mX8W50PY0fh

YouTube: https://ow.ly/jYQl50PY0f6

Web Player: https://ow.ly/pjvQ50PY0f5

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In this new episode, Brian Moorhead and David McDonald from eSmart Networks get together to discuss the capacity issues facing new renewable connections. With a large chunk of requests and enquiries to assist with 'Private wire' or 'behind the meter' connections. This episode summarises the potential grid issues with these installs and what you need to know before taking a private wire project forward.

We cover fault level impact, your legal obligations to get permission from the network operator and other considerations to be aware of when connecting Solar/Battery or Wind with a demand connection such as new commercial or industrial premises, an EV hub or a data centre.

If you want to get in touch with eSmart Network, don’t hesitate to write to [email protected] and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. If you would like to request a specific topic, don’t hesitate to write to [email protected] and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. 

➡️Listen Now:

YouTube: https://ow.ly/AYOr50PacRj

Spotify: https://ow.ly/PzEj50PacRl

Apple: https://ow.ly/Awmj50PacRi

Google: https://ow.ly/6zkc50PacRk

Like and subscribe to stay tuned.

Follow us on our social media channels:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmartnetworks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks