Our team have significant track record in Grid Connection Consultancy, assisting developers (onshore, offshore, generation, storage, demand etc) though the grid connection process to obtain a suitable grid connection for their projects.
We provide a wide range of grid connection consultancy support to help guide our clients through the connections process and fast changing regulatory landscape. This may include preparation of grid connection applications, review and due diligence of grid offers, strategic advice on how to modify or change existing connections and discussions and negotiations with the network operators and owners.
We provide support and advice through the changing regulation such as TM04 process and Connections Reform. We can offer advisory workshops on these topical issues, as well as taking the regulation into account within our advisory services.
Grid Connection Consultancy activities include:
High level grid connection study
We can advise and support clients with their grid connection support strategy and their search for viable connections. We tailor our approach to suit the client and can carry out an assessment of specific locations or a collection of substations to allow the developer to prioritise their connection portfolio.
Detailed Grid Assessment study
Where clients have a specific site in mind for a development, we can take a more in-depth assessment at the surrounding network to identify potential connection options to both the transmission and distribution networks. We will highlight potential points of connection and advise on the best export/import capacity to request within any subsequent connection application.
Curtailment Analysis
It is critical that developers understand their access to the network when the accept a non-firm or flexible grid connection offer. DNOs provide their own curtailment reports but it is advisable that these are independently reviewed. We offer these services and can carry out our own detailed calculation of the likely curtailment a project will see given the specific distribution and transmission constraints associated with the ANM or Intertrip systems.
Land Scouting and Constraints Analysis
We support clients to find high potential land that can host future renewable energy projects. If desired we can identify all the land parcels within a particular search radius and share the relevant ownership and contact details so that developers can secure the Letters of Authority (LOA) they require to submit a grid connection application. We also map the relevant land constraints that may impact the development of a project such as Green Belt, Flood Zones and SSSIs.
Project Yield Assessment
For your site we can create a project strategy and advise on the capacity of Wind, Solar, BESS that could be accommodated from both a network and a site constraint perspective. We can then carry out yield assessment to determine the amount of energy that could be generated each year from the technology mix that is preferred.
Grid Connection Applications
Preparation of G99/G100 distribution and transmission grid connection applications including the single line diagrams (SLDs). We also cover BELLA and BEGA submissions where required.
Grid Connection Offer Due Diligence
We have reviewed many transmission and distribution grid connection offers. As such, we can carry out detailed due diligence on connection offers. In doing so, we highlight the key risks, milestones, timescales, costs and securities associated with any offer to allow the developer to determine if the offer should be accepted or if further engagement is required.
Supporting the Developer through the Connection Process
We support clients to understanding the full grid connections process from start to end, helping the developer complete the required connection application forms required to secure a connection offer for their projects
Project CAPEX Assessment
Using our visibility and experience on many other grid connection projects across Great Britain, we can provide an estimate of the likely development costs to build out a project. We can include both the costs associated with contestable and balance of plant equipment to help the developer understand the full costs associated with building out their projects.
Project Design and Layout
Once the developer has accepted a grid connection offer, we can produce the initial substation layout and design documents and drawings. We can tailor our approach and the detail on these drawings and designs to meet the requirements of the developer. In general, this work can help the developer understand the likely configuration and footprint of their project to ensure they have secured enough land and to support the planning/consenting applications.