UK energy regulator says ‘No” to unconditional access to renewable energy systems

According to published reports, UK energy regulator Ofgem has said it will not agree to unconditional access to renewable energy systems. Ofgem explained that it is likely to reject a system proposed by the industry to provide “priority grid access” to renewable energy generators since it may be against European competition rules.

Ofgem also said the ‘Renewable Energy Directive’ is no legal back up for unconditional access to green power facilities. The energy regulator is in the process of consulting a notice that is likely to turn down a plan from Wind Energy Ltd, based in Edinburgh, in order to accelerate connection to electricity networks supporting renewable energy around the country.

The proposed plan, known as CAP148, recommends that one way to get around the limited capacity in the nation to add more power generation would be to cut down on the power output from generations that are already in operation. This would allow ensure access by renewable energy ventures. And when these grid reinforcement projects are set in place, generators would be able to be switched back to their original levels of capacity.

The consultation on the proposal will run through until August 28 and a formal decision by Ofgem is still to be released. Nonetheless, the agency’s spokesman said in a statement that it would not agree to any plan that would interrupt the grid-linked power facilities.

The ‘connect and manage’ system would translate into the National Grid allowing for generation ventures to link to the grids prior to the completion of reinforcement work.

Please visit www.ofgem.gov.uk for more details