Project designation
This update is related to Connections Reform.
In addition to aligning with the Government’s Clean Power Action Plan, projects can be strategically aligned by being designated. Designated Projects will receive a guaranteed place in the re-formed connections queue if they also meet the readiness requirements.
Project designation is very rare. We expect only a handful of projects out of 1000s to be eligible.
Initially, to be eligible projects must either be:
- Long lead energisation projects (i.e. new nuclear build)
- A new technology/energy vector in a high status of technology readiness (TRL) status – a technology that has reached a new technology readiness level since the Clean Power Action Plan was published.
We are now inviting applications for Project Designation
The application form you would need to fill in has been developed based on the Project Designation Methodology.
Applications can be made at any time. NESO will make best endeavours to decide on applications we receive prior to 8 July – where designation status can be used in the forthcoming Gate 2 process prior to the Gate 2 Application Window closing.
On the application form, we have asked if projects meet the readiness requirements for Gate 2, and whether they have an existing grid connection agreement. We will prioritise decision making for projects which can use any designation status during the forthcoming Gate 2 window and do not need to wait for a subsequent window.
We are not currently accepting applications for projects to be designated under the following criteria:
- Critical to Security of Supply;
- Critical to System Operability; or,
- Materially Reduce Constraint Costs.
Applicants seeking designation will be subject to a charge. The charge for assessing Highly Innovative projects is £5000 per innovative project. The cost for assessing long lead time projects is £3000 as set out in the Charging Statement. Applicants will be liable for this charge whether they are successful or not. The charge reflects the cost of assessing applications.