UK grid connection requests have tripled in 18 months

The number of grid connection requests in the United Kingdom has tripled, rising from 41 GW at the end of 2024 to 125 GW in June 2026. The surge is being driven by data centres. The British regulator believes that some of the requests come from developers with little chance of bringing their projects to completion. To prevent a build-up of low-credibility applications, OFGEM is proposing to charge for connection requests. The fee could reach 712,500 pounds sterling per MW, payable when the grid sends developers a connection offer.