Ofgem relaxes rules to boost green energy

• Energy regulator removes obstacles to low-carbon generation• National Grid says wind scheme could start now instead of 2018
Terry Macalister
guardian.co.uk, Friday 8 May 2009 19.47 BST

A significant obstacle to delivering a host of green power schemes was swept away today when the energy regulator relaxed the rules for electricity generation in a move that could soon benefit 300,000 homes.
There was also recognition that temporary changes to the industry rules that could bring forward 450 megawatts of small and large wind farms in Scotland did not solve wider difficulties over lack of capacity.Ofgem said there was a long queue of renewable projects awaiting connection to Britain's networks, and being flexible was "an innovative" way to speed up the process. "Low-carbon projects, whether seeking connection to the transmission or distribution systems, will no longer be delayed by the need to invest in the grid," said Steve Smith, Ofgem's networks managing director.National Grid said one wind scheme, which was to have been be connected in 2018, could now be brought forward to this year because of the move.
The company, which operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Britain, said 16 projects had seen their connection date moved forward by an average of six years, with more to be offered earlier dates in the coming weeks.
The relaxation of the rules lets projects connect to the grid as soon as their local connection is ready and not have to wait for the wider reinforcement of the system.
The British Wind Energy Association said it was "very welcome and a good step", that would help a number of delayed schemes move forward. But a spokesman warned: "This will not change the fundamental problem that we need substantial new capacity brought on line in the next few years to begin to serve an anticipated 50% growth in power demand over the next ten years."
One wind industry executive questioned why it had taken so long to tackle a problem that had been known about for years. He pointed out it would not affect other issues that hindered more wind farms, notably planning constraints and a lack of access to capital.
Nick Rau, renewable energy campaigner at Friends of the Earth, added: "The UK has a first-class renewable energy potential – but a third-rate attitude towards developing it. The government must take urgent action if Britain is to become a world leader in green energy."