NESO’s reformed grid connection process takes energy developers into a new decision-making environment, one defined by committed milestones, upfront investment and delivery risk.

Gate 2 favours projects that can demonstrate credible progress through planning, construction and energisation within defined timescales. Projects that cannot do so risk delay, escalating costs, or ultimately the loss of their grid connection. Planning strategy is now inseparable from grid strategy.

At Third Revolution, we advise developers, funders and infrastructure providers on securing deliverable planning consents for energy and infrastructure projects. Our work spans solar, battery storage, wind, grid infrastructure, and grid support and
emerging technologies, with a focus on aligning planning outcomes with programme certainty and commercial value.

This paper draws directly on our experience working alongside developers and project managers navigating the planning and Gate 2 processes. It is intended as a practical guide: identifying common risks, explaining why projects stall, and setting out the steps that materially improve prospects of consent, delivery and sale.steps that materially improve prospects of consent, delivery and sale.