Since grid reform, when a project connects matters as much as whether it connects. Projects with a firm date before 2030 are now worth noticeably more. Here’s why.
How grid reform split the queue
Before reform, the queue for grid connections grew to about 722GW, around four times what the country needs. In December 2025, NESO published the reformed queue:
- Gate 2, Phase 1 (connecting by 2030): about 132GW.
- Gate 2, Phase 2 (2030 to 2035): about 151GW.
- Gate 1 (no firm date): about 216GW, set aside unless space frees up.
For solar, about 30GW was lined up for Phase 1. That’s short of the government’s Clean Power 2030 goal of 45 to 47GW of solar by 2030. Another 35.9GW of solar was not prioritised.
Why an early date adds value
- Income sooner. A project that connects in 2029 earns for years longer, in today’s money, than one that connects in 2034.
- It can bid for a CfD. Only projects with a firm Gate 2 connection can bid for a government Contract for Difference. In the current round (AR8), solar can bid for delivery in 2028/29, 2029/30 or 2030/31.
- Buyers pay more for it. Grid certainty is the main reason ready-to-build prices vary so much. See how solar farms are valued.
- It’s scarce. With solar short of the 2030 goal, ready projects with early dates are in demand.
What to watch for
- Dates can slip. In February 2026, NESO said it could not keep the dates for 210 of 340 “protected” projects. See Gate 2 grid offers: autumn 2026.
- Queue milestones. Miss them and you can lose your place.
- Connection costs and securities. An early date with very high upgrade costs may not be worth it.
- Curtailment. Some offers come with limits on when you can export.
- Land and planning must keep up. An early grid date is only useful if the lease and planning consent are ready in time.
What it means for landowners
If a developer holds a Gate 2 offer for a project on your land, the project is more likely to go ahead. That’s good news for your rent. See grid connections reform for landowners.
What we do
We check grid capacity, apply for connections and track every offer and milestone for solar, battery storage and onshore wind sites. Grid consultancy → · Partner with us →
Sources
- Solar Power Portal: grid connections reform, 132GW to connect by 2030 (December 2025)
- GOV.UK: Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, connections reform annex
- NESO: connections reform timeline
- Solar Power Portal: CfD auction to exclude Gate 1 projects, AR8 timeline
Facts last checked 12 October 2026. Dates and figures move often, so check NESO’s timeline for the latest.