Quicker connections, without compromising quality
A response from Martin Parker, Sales & Marketing Director at Power Supplies Group, to the open consultation ‘Accelerating electricity network connections for strategic demand’.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has today launched its consultation to reform the process for managing demand-side connections to the electricity network.
The proposed changes will ensure that strategically important projects can connect to the network more quickly, and not get held up in backlogs caused by rapid growth in demand for electricity connections.
Of course, the backlogs themselves are an indication that things are moving in the right direction. Increased demand for electricity connections to the transmission network are driven by continued electrification, investment in renewable energy investment, and the development of energy-intensive sectors such as data centres – all signs of progress towards a thriving, lower carbon industrial landscape in the UK.
Whilst this appetite for clean energy is to be applauded, we welcome the proposed changes and believe the Government is doing the right thing in prioritising strategically important projects such as AI data centres, EV charging hubs and industrial electrification projects.
However, accelerating project delivery is only one step towards a successful connection.
We must also reinforce the importance of early collaboration between supply chains, from the initial design process, to reduce project risk. This includes matched cable systems that not only meet the technical standards required for significant infrastructure projects, but also meet project-specific guidelines and factor in buildability too.
Reliable, safe and durable connections rely on best-in-class cables and high quality accessories, manufactured in fully audited facilities with auditable supply chains. Cables and accessories should be tested for compatibility, matched the project demands, and fitted with confidence on site by fully trained contractors.
This is particularly important when you consider this line from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: “Developers could also be supported to connect their own high voltage lines and substations to power their data centres – rather than waiting for network operators to do it – driving down costs and accelerating progress.”
Whilst we encourage efforts to drive down costs and accelerate progress, it must not come at the expense of quality, durability and safety. It reinforces the need to maintain education and understanding amongst design engineers, to ensure reliable connections for long-lasting assets.
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