Grid connection delays continued to dominate the conversation, but we noticed a new emphasis on storage projects and emerging issues around grid compliance – echoing our own experiences on recent projects.
Team Locogen attended Solar & Storage Live UK 2026 last week, and we’ve put together our key takeaways from the event, including lessons from investors, developers, and those on the ground delivering projects:
- Grid connection delays continue to be a major challenge
- Growing issues with grid code compliance
- Futureproof planning to protect delivery timelines
- Proposed planning reforms
- Emerging trends
1. Grid connection delays continue to be a major challenge
There was a general sense of dissatisfaction at the show on how the grid reform and gate processes are being managed, with developers and industry players reporting that processes are creating major uncertainty. Connection offers are inconsistent, and projects that once expected pre-2030 connections are now being moved into the 2030-35 range, undermining project viability and investor confidence.
2. Growing issues with grid code compliance
We heard developers report difficulty achieving grid compliance on grid-connected/utility scale projects, which is something we’re also experiencing firsthand at Locogen. Three recurring issues highlighted at the show were reactive capability and how active power are sized, harmonics, and dynamic model submission. These problems typically cause delays to project completion, but they are also seen to drive CAPEX increases, LAPEX compensation and redesign cost.
The main takeaway here is that early planning is the key to minimising the impact of grid code compliance. The advice to developers was to start the compliance work early, assume issues will arise and build time into the programme to avoid costly energisation delays. Engaging with Network operators (DNO/NESO) very early to request detailed network data, managing harmonic compliance process proactively, and keeping contingency space for harmonic filters (even where a filter may not ultimately be needed), reserving substation space; these are all important steps to avoiding a late-stage design risk and costly delay to project energisation.
3. Futureproof planning to protect delivery timelines
We heard that planning consents are increasingly at risk of expiring before grid connections materialise, meaning developers are exploring limited early works, phased condition discharge, and building flexibility into schemes earlier.
The sentiment was also that community engagement is harder when grid location and timing keep changing, so building flexibility into project timelines can help to alleviate frustrations in this regard. Technical consultees and late objections were also identified as significant barriers to timely delivery, which is something for developers to bear in mind.
4. Proposed planning reforms
Reform to the planning process was under discussion, and one of the proposed responses was the development of model planning conditions, working alongside DESNZ and planning advisers to address the challenges posed by lengthy and uncertain grid connection timelines. At the minute, consented projects are facing a ticking clock with planning permissions expiring while connection dates slip, coupled with late-stage objections from statutory bodies potentially stalling projects at the eleventh hour.
Model planning conditions are being sought via consultation reform to give developers more freedom to enact minimal early implementation work (access, kerbing etc.) to preserve consent without full conditions discharge. This could be used to the reduce pressure around time limits and the need to fully discharge conditions before a grid connection date is confirmed. There is also the need to support greater understanding among planning officers the need for flexibility in delivering consented renewable energy schemes. A proposal is being made to run further planning-officer training in 2027, building on the prior sessions, so officers better understand grid connection uncertainty.
5. Emerging trends
There was a marked focus towards the ‘Storage’ side of the show than in previous years, reflecting the growing role storage projects will play in supporting network flexibility and accelerating the energy transition.
The discussions we heard also highlighted a shift away from standalone generation toward integrated, offtaker-led projects; combining generation, storage, and demand such as data centres, with private-wire and behind-the-meter models gaining traction.
