The Grid

After the Connection Queue is filtered by Gate 2 (see previous episode), the Connections Network Design Methodology (CNDM) sets how the Connection Queue will be re-ordered and sorted to allocate capacity and substation connection points. In this episode, Brian & Damian run through step-by-step how NESO plans for this to work, alongside raising some discussion points and issues that you may want to raise in your consultation response. If you want to get your head around the CNDM consultation in 20 minutes, this episode is a great way to start.Links to useful reference materials:Reform Consultation Timeline: https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ongoing-Upcoming-Industry-Consultations-esmart-Networks.png6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/downloadNGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reformCapacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7QListen to the podcast here:Spotify: https://ow.ly/3mFo50Ubyf4Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/wQIM50UbyeKYouTube: https://ow.ly/wGM350UbyeNWeb Player: https://ow.ly/yGUv50UbyePYouTube: https://youtu.be/M8RFUosjs_sFollow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmart-networks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

Part 5 in the Connection Reform mini-series follows Part 4 by delving into the next most important Consultation: Gate 2. The Gate 2 Methodology will govern what a project needs to do to be considered for capacity and a 'firm' connection offer. This is essential listening for project developers, those involved in project land acquisition, and project investors who want to understand key risks to large-scale Data Centres, Solar, Battery, and other types of projects. Gate 2 is the first step in deciding the winners and losers in the connection queue.Links to useful reference materials:Reform Consultation Timeline: https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ongoing-Upcoming-Industry-Consultations-esmart-Networks.png6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/downloadNGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reformCapacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7QListen to the podcast here:Spotify: https://ow.ly/pokq50U9KlWApple Podcast: https://ow.ly/j2BY50U9KlTYouTube: https://ow.ly/gtFn50U9KlUWeb Player: https://ow.ly/nThq50U9KlSFollow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmart-networks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

With a deluge of consultations and documents having just been released covering a lot more detail on how getting connected to the grid will change, Brian & Damian provide a high-level summary of all of the current consultations, what they cover, how they interlink and most importantly key deadlines. They then delve into the first consultation to close, CMP434, which sets the high-level framework for connection reform. This episode provides anyone with a good starting point on Connection reform and will help you make sense of everything that's going on.Links to useful reference materials:Reform Consultation Timeline: https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ongoing-Upcoming-Industry-Consultations-esmart-Networks.png6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/downloadNGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reformCapacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7QListen to the podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dcNXoW21ahJa2LqrXM6jr?si=iKqrvOnHTqqjEQtFYQRySwApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/connection-reform-the-big-updates-new-consultations/id1609969567?i=1000677056077Web Player: https://esmartnetworks-the-grid.captivate.fm/episode/connection-reform-the-big-updates-new-consultations-released-nov-24-part-4-Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmart-networks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

Brian Moorhead, our Grid Consultancy Director, provides an update on the big topic of Connection Reform and where things are at following NGESO's formal consultation. In this condensed 15-minute episode, we focus on three key areas of concern and what's now happening regarding the next steps. Spoiler alert - there are some big issues in the current proposals!Links to useful reference materials:6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316446/downloadNGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/industry-information/connections/connections-reformCapacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7QListen to the podcast here:Spotify: https://ow.ly/vL4v50T8ki2Apple Podcast: https://ow.ly/UK5o50T8khVYouTube: https://ow.ly/n98p50T8ki5Web Player: https://ow.ly/R3OI50T8khZFollow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esma...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1

Delve into part 2 of our connections reform recap!Fundamental Connection Reform to change GB's 'First come, first serve' system to 'First ready, First Connect' targets implementation from January 2025.This is big...it will directly or indirectly impact anyone seeking to connect to the Grid and will significantly change how many projects get connected. In this two-part episode Brian and David walk through what the current proposals are for the new system, what are the big unknowns and what should investors/developers be aware of at this stage.Links to useful reference materials:6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/docum...NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/indus...Capacity Crunch: State of Play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7QListen to the podcast here:Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dwmeRVkyApple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eHaUW7KyYouTube: https://lnkd.in/ezhYzaRFWeb Player: https://lnkd.in/ey9pqyKfFollow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esma...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook:

Fundamental Connection Reform to change GB's 'First come, first serve' system to 'First ready, First Connect' targets implementation from January 2025.This is big...it will directly or indirectly impact anyone seeking to connect to the Grid and will significantly change how many projects get connected. In this two-part episode Brian and David walk through what the current proposals are for the new system, what are the big unknowns and what should investors/developers be aware of at this stage.Links to useful reference materials:6-page summary doc from ESO: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/docum...NGESO Connection Reform web page: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/indus...Capacity Crunch: State of play in May podcast (covering why this is needed): [https://youtu.be/cH0r8iC3h7Q]Listen to the podcast here:Spotify: https://ow.ly/ooES50Saz9HApple Podcast: https://ow.ly/HCKH50Saza1YouTube: https://ow.ly/M9wO50Saz9XWeb Player: https://ow.ly/YoEY50Saz9NFollow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esma...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

Brian Moorhead & David McDonald talk you through the major changes that are just around the corner for grid connections in the UK.For anyone with export capacity connections in the queue (connection offer accepted): we strongly recommend starting to do your homework for the recent Distribution and Transmission Networks Operators joint call to action.All projects are required to provide information on planning status and land rights for all export capacity grid connections (some DNOs have specified >1MW only, we recommend you clarify this if <1MW).Responding on time with the right information could be the difference between having 15 years added to your connection date, or having it accelerated. Export capacity for all accepted offers in the current queue is at risk.➡️ Listen Now:Spotify: https://ow.ly/ookr50S3LuMApple Podcast: https://ow.ly/AFvy50S3LuPYouTube: https://ow.ly/AtXZ50S3LuUWeb Player: https://ow.ly/RARB50S3LuVLike and subscribe to stay tuned.Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmartnetworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

2023 Grid Connections Reform Review: 2023 could have been one of the busiest years in living memory for reforms around how all types of new development connect to the Grid. In Part 1, Grid Consultancy Director Brian Moorhead and Technical Director David McDonald look back at the key changes announced throughout 2023, along with some highlights on what to look out for in 2024.Brian & David will be back in Part 2 to delve into some of the key items in more detail along with some expert analysis of what it means for new projects in 2024.➡️Listen Now:Spotify: https://ow.ly/3xyc50Qs06mApple Podcast: https://ow.ly/6PZr50Qs06AGoogle Podcast: https://ow.ly/hF8i50Qs06CWeb Player: https://ow.ly/Kv8550Qs06lLike and subscribe to stay tuned.Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmartnetworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworksTwitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

In this episode, we discuss the transition away from SF6 in switchgear across all voltages and how this might impact grid connections for energy transition projects such as EV charging, Renewables and Industrial Electrification. Whilst transitioning away from SF6 is necessary, managing the impact of the transition and its impact on projects and the wider energy transition is also essential. The SF6 transition is underway but at different speeds and scales across the different network companies in the UK, which may cause trouble for project developers.We also discuss some of the key risks and considerations, including spatial constraints and timescale challenges, that project developers should be aware of.➡️Listen Now:Spotify: https://ow.ly/qXil50PY0fXApple Podcast: https://ow.ly/xPfh50PY0f4Google Podcast: https://ow.ly/mX8W50PY0fhYouTube: https://ow.ly/jYQl50PY0f6Web Player: https://ow.ly/pjvQ50PY0f5Like and subscribe to stay tuned.Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmartnetworks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

In this new episode, Brian Moorhead and David McDonald from eSmart Networks get together to discuss the capacity issues facing new renewable connections. With a large chunk of requests and enquiries to assist with 'Private wire' or 'behind the meter' connections. This episode summarises the potential grid issues with these installs and what you need to know before taking a private wire project forward.We cover fault level impact, your legal obligations to get permission from the network operator and other considerations to be aware of when connecting Solar/Battery or Wind with a demand connection such as new commercial or industrial premises, an EV hub or a data centre.If you want to get in touch with eSmart Network, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. If you would like to request a specific topic, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. ➡️Listen Now:YouTube: https://ow.ly/AYOr50PacRjSpotify: https://ow.ly/PzEj50PacRlApple: https://ow.ly/Awmj50PacRiGoogle: https://ow.ly/6zkc50PacRkLike and subscribe to stay tuned.Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmartnetworks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

In this new collaboration episode, Brian Moorhead and David McDonald from eSmart Networks get together with Chris Doré, Business Development Director of both eSmart Networks and sister company TriConnex to discuss the challenges house builders are facing when connecting their schemes to the grid.Get an insight into leading UK multi-utility company TriConnex, what they do, and the launch of their new service offering ‘Grid Dynamix’. Find out how TriConnex are assisting developers with connecting their schemes to the grid through their new Grid Dynamix service and understand the benefit for developers in the ever-changing world of electricity connections.The team also dive deep into electrification of vehicles and heating, as well as the new future homes standard and what TriConnex are doing to come away from gas. Furthermore, with changing regulations making power more difficult for housing developers, get the latest intel on capacity crunch, SCR, milestones and much more.Read more about TriConnex’s new Grid Dynamix service here: https://triconnex.co.uk/multi-utilities/grid-dynamix/If you want to get in touch with eSmart Network, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. If you would like to request a specific topic, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. ➡️Listen Now:YouTube: https://ow.ly/AYOr50PacRjSpotify: https://ow.ly/PzEj50PacRlApple: https://ow.ly/Awmj50PacRiGoogle: https://ow.ly/6zkc50PacRkLike and subscribe to stay tuned.Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmartnetworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworks/Twitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

From the 1st of April 2023, grid connection regulation has changed significantly. On the whole, the headline is very positive in that demand connections no longer pay for reinforcement costs, subject to some exceptions. However the exceptions are more complicated than you might think. Whilst commercial feasibility should increase for many projects. more projects are also expected to experience time delays and the trade off between cost and time will become an increasing focus for many developers.In addition, extra regulation has been brought in for connecting customers to comply with. 'Speculative projects' (particularly aimed at housing development) are now regulated for and more likely to be penalised whilst 'phased capacity' planning is also now a regulated thing which is encouraged through the new regulations (and likely to be essential for many projects). Flexible connections are also now more regulated, opening up even more optionality in how you connect to the grid.In our latest podcast, we explore the complexities of the new regulations to highlight the new hurdles that developers need to be aware of and our recommendations on how to navigate the increase in both optionality and complexity of the new grid connection regime.➡️Listen Now:YouTube: http://ow.ly/5q0B50NjNVxSpotify: http://ow.ly/sL5o50NjNVBApple: http://ow.ly/ul6Q50NjNVEGoogle: http://ow.ly/nJSH50NjNVvLike and subscribe to stay tuned.Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmartnetworks/Twitter: https://twitter.com/esmartnetworks1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eSmartNetworks

With all new #Renewable and #BatteryStorage projects in GB being quoted connection dates of 2028-2038 and beyond due to Transmission Capacity Issues, Brian and David delve into the challenges driving this.One episode wouldn’t cut it as this is probably the biggest topic in Renewable or BESS Development right now, so we’ll be stepping through the issue in a ‘Transmission Capacity Crunch’ Mini-series.Part 1 is available now, which sets the scene by covering some background on the GB Transmission Network and its interaction with Distribution Networks, the volumes of connection applications, our 2030 & 2050 capacity targets and some of the key challenges being faced by the Grid.In the following episodes, we’ll be getting into the challenges and solutions in more detail, along with a summary of our thoughts on what Renewable or BESS Developers & Investors should be considering. Like or subscribe to stay tuned.

​Brian Moorhead from eSmart Networks interviews Derek Roddy from Energy Cloud on how they started their not-for-profit company, the journey so far, potential future uses of the technology and growth plans for the UK.£10M’s of green clean electricity is regularly being dumped on the Ireland Electricity System whilst people struggle to heat their homes. Find out how Energy Cloud are using this otherwise dumped energy to provide free hot water to social housing- demonstrating yet another example of renewable generation having a direct positive impact on wider society. Hear how since Christmas, the EnergyCloud platform has provided around 7 free tanks of hot water to each Energy Cloud home. Energy Cloud even sends residents a text message to inform them that wind curtailment is predicted beforehand and then afterwards to confirm that the hot water was delivered! You can get in touch with EnergyCloud at https://www.energycloud.org/contact/ If you want to get in touch with eSmart Network, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. If you would like to request a specific topic, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes. Listen to The Grid via our Podcast: https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/the-grid-podcast/Follow us on our social media channels: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter

Explained: What are Harmonics and what is Harmonic Distortion, why do we have to consider them and how do they impact on your project and EV Charging?Whether you’re considering a Renewable Energy Generation project or large-scale EV charging hub, on this episode you’ll be introduced to Harmonics and how it can impact your project.This week we have our very own David Padayachee who is the Connections Design Manager at eSmart Networks. David is Chartered Engineer with over 14 years’ industry experience having spent time working in Power System Consultancy and across various DNOs.HIGHLIGHTS● Harmonics and Harmonic Distortion Explained● Equipment associated with Harmonic Distortion● Increase of Harmonics on the network due to the uptake of EVCs and Renewables● Industry Standards● Solutions the industry can do to reduce HarmonicsIf you would like to request a specific topic, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes.Follow us on our social media channels:LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

Voltage Levels ExplainedExplained: What are the UK voltage levels, why do we have them and most importantly,how do they impact your project?Whether you’re considering an EV, Industrial Electrification, Renewable or Battery Storage project, on this episode you’ll learn some “rules of thumb” for how voltages could impact your budget, your programme, and even the physical space it could take up on-site.This week’s host is eSmart Networks Lead Grid Connections Manager, Brian Moorhead, who sits down with Technical Director at eSmart Networks, David Mcdonald, to cover the basics on voltage levels in the UK power industry.HIGHLIGHTS●    Basic principles●    UK vs. International Standards●    Low voltage●    11 kV●    33 kV●    Grid Strategy●    Considerations for developers●    Thresholds●    Physical infrastructureIf you would like to request a specific topic, don’t hesitate to write to thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk and don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes.

On today’s episode, Simon and Brian Moorhead, one of the Grid Connection Managers at eSmart Networks, discuss flexible connections’ arrangements and cover the secondhalf of Ofgem’s Access and Forward-Looking Charges Significant Code Review (SCR), released in May 2022.HIGHLIGHTS●  Generation connections●    Inconsistency in flexible connections across DNO’s●  Moving risk from developers to DNO’s●  Three main changes by Ofgem●  The difference between a firm and a non-firm connection●  Curtailment limits●  Clarity of curtailment information●  Standardizing methodologies● A bit of advice for developersCONTACT US● Visit our website at https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/● Send us an email thegrid@esmartnetworks.co.uk● Follow us on Twitter @eSmartNetworks1● LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmart-networks● YouTube channel @esmartnetwroks

In this episode Simon talks to experts Brian Morehead (Senior Grid Connection Manager) and David McDonald (Technical Director) from eSmart Networks about network capacity, what it means and how to find out where it is so you can connect to the grid quicker. HIGHLIGHTS● What do we mean by capacity?● Thermal capacity● Finding the tipping point● Volt rise and volt drop● Reinforcing the network● Fault levels● Harmonics● Charging current on long cables● System stability and frequencyCONTACT US● Visit our website at https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/● Send us an email thegid@esmartnetworks.co.uk● Follow us on Twitter @eSmartNetworks1● LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmart-networks● YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1xJpPsmcC2zrqg-6Qn-XQ?app=desktop

On this week’s episode, Simon Gallagher discusses with Brian Moorhead, one of the Grid Connection Managers at E-Smart Networks and Mark McCall, Chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland, his recent road trip from Essex, England to Belfast, Northern Ireland, via Holyhead ferry.   Simon started by charging the car at 85% to prove a point, so his first stop was at a Staffordshire Ionity site. He then very easily got on the boat to Dublin, and from there charged the car once again in another Ionity site, Dublin City North.    All was well, until he got to Northern Ireland.  HIGHLIGHTS The trip Funding  Public chargers Investments in Northern Ireland A new set of challenges Pricing policy Capacity problem No-man’s land Decarbonization Ofgem The regulatory environment The case of Fulwell to accommodate EV buses What has to move forward  You can find more about Mark’s organization visiting the website: https://evani.uk/ CONTACT US  Visit our website at https://esmartnetworks.co.uk/ Send us an email enquiries@esmartnetworks.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @eSmartNetworks1 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/esmart-networks  

Hydrogen holds a lot of promise in helping us towards net zero – it is the most abundant element on earth, it creates zero carbon when burned and can be transported in pipelines the way we currently transport natural gas.In this episode, we take an evidence-based view of the potential of hydrogen guided by my guest Jan Rosenow who is Director of European Programmes at the Regulatory Assistant Project, as well as an Honorary research associate at the Energy Programme of Environmental Change Institute within the University of Oxford.Jan has a long and detailed history in environmental policy and is right at the cutting edge of Energy and Environmental policy.Topics Covered:- What is hydrogen- It’s place in the energy sector- Use cases- Sensible use cases- No-regret decisionsYou can find the Youtube Version at https://youtu.be/7PWSOY9R4pY