Revolutionising Grid Connections: The Promise of TMO4+
This article by Phillip Robinson, Principal Grid Engineer at ITPEnergised, part of SLR featured in Energy Voice in August 2024.
As the UK races towards its net zero goals, a silent obstacle threatens to derail our progress: an outdated grid connection process. Having worked on both sides of the industry – with National Grid distribution and now as a consultant – I have seen firsthand how our current system is stifling the renewable energy revolution. But there is hope on the horizon in the form of TMO4+, an approach set to transform how we connect green energy to the grid.
The message is clear ‘get connected or move out of the way’. TMO4+ queue reform is due to arrive in January 2025 and is expected to cause a well needed stir to the connection queue process.
The Grid Connection Conundrum
For too long, our grid connection process has been plagued by what some in the industry call “braggerwatts”– speculative projects that will only ever exist on paper, these ‘paper’ sites reserve capacity, physical space, and clog up the connection queue, preventing genuine renewable developments from moving forward. These ‘paper’ projects, often used to inflate company valuations or trade for profit, have led to a bizarre situation where billions of pounds of unnecessary grid reinforcements are being planned, with additional costs ultimately falling on consumers.
TMO4+, expected to be implemented in January 2025, promises to blow away the cobwebs in our grid connection process. At its core, this new approach prioritises shovel-ready projects with secured land rights and planning permissions.
Key features of TMO4+ are expected to include:
- Mandatory proof of land rights
- Demonstration of planning progress
- A ‘Gate’ mechanism for viable projects to leapfrog speculative ones
- Regular progress checks to maintain queue position
By implementing these measures, we can ensure that our grid connection queue reflects reality, not speculative fantasies.
A Paradigm Shift for the Industry
The implications of TMO4+ are far-reaching. We’re not just tweaking a process; we’re catalysing the UK’s entire energy transition. This could lead to faster deployment of clean energy, significant cost savings, increased investor confidence and a dramatic acceleration towards our net zero targets.
For National Grid ESO, this means a fundamental shift in approach. By focusing on genuine, viable projects, we can expect more accurate forecasting and efficient grid reinforcement plans.
As we approach the 2025 implementation date, developers need to prepare for a new reality. The days of speculative grid applications are numbered. It is time to secure concrete land rights, progress planning applications and be ready to demonstrate project viability at every turn.
A Second Chance for UK Energy
In my years in this industry, I have never seen a more critical juncture. TMO4+ represents a second chance – an opportunity to correct our course and align our grid connection process with our national ambitions for a cleaner, greener future.
As I often tell my colleagues, this reform is long overdue. But with TMO4+ on the horizon, we have a chance to make up for lost time. It is up to us all – developers, consultants, policymakers and citizens – to seize this opportunity and drive the UK towards a sustainable, low–carbon future. The road ahead won’t be easy, but for the first time in years, I’m optimistic. TMO4+ isn’t just a reform; it is a renewal of our commitment to a greener UK. Let’s embrace it, hold our policymakers accountable, and build the future we want to see. The time for change is now.
A trusted advisor through your Grid Connection journey – Our team offers a tailored approach to suit you and your project’s requirements on a case-by-case basis, with a range of deliverables including; an in-depth investigation of grid connection costs and timescales, highlighting potential reinforcements relevant to your site that you should be aware of, preparation of connection application paperwork, management of the application process with the relevant DNO and National Grid as required, in-depth or high-level reviews of connection offers including commentary from team members with relevant DNO experience, reviews of existing connection agreements to aid you in identifying significant project risks. For more information please contact Phil at phillip.robinson@itpenergised.com or our Head of Technology Brian Branney at brian.branney@itpenergised.com.
