By Alex Veitch, Director of Policy and Insight at the British Chambers of Commerce

Across the country, businesses are leading the way in the UK’s journey to net-zero. Firms are developing amazing low-carbon projects that will make a real difference for generations to come. But far too often the green innovation is being held up by the limitations of the current energy grid. 

That’s why the King’s Speech should signal the government’s commitment to transforming the national grid. They must ensure that there is sufficient capacity and flexibility to deliver energy needs fit for net-zero. No longer, should businesses be given waiting times of up to 15 years, for their sustainable project to be connected.  

At the BCC we warmly welcomed the publication of the Winser report into energy networks and transmission. The report accurately identified both the problems and the solutions. It should form the backbone of government plans. The grid needs upgrading and modernising. Upgrading, to deal with the huge increase in the number of clean energy projects wanting to be connected. And modernising, to make sure it can facilitate modern technology, such as recharging for electric vehicle charging and distributed renewable generation. 

Queuing on a ‘first come, first served’ basis for grid access is clearly not working. The government needs to make sure vital projects are given priority access and make sure they are not constrained by the planning system. We need ministerial oversight to make sure that the connection process is speeded up for all projects.  

If we are to meet the challenge of making the UK net-zero by 2050, then business will need to play a crucial role. But access to the grid is a huge headache for trailblazing companies. Removing the current hurdles would be hugely welcomed by the business community and help drive the UK’s journey to net-zero.