Specialist warns of ticking clock on new Grid applications
26th January 2026
Reforms to the National Grid application process mean time is of the essence for those seeking a connection between 2030–35, with the application window closing in July 2026.
To overcome Grid connection queues and project delays, the government and the National Energy System Operator began reforming the process last year.
Kate Covill, MD of ILOS Energy, explains the process of making a Grid application in time for the July 2026 cut-off – and shares the results of an exciting new shade-resistant crop trial in Hereford.
There are now two dated elements, Clean Power CP30 and CP35, meaning all applications for connections between now and 2030 will be reviewed and a connection date given by January 2026, while another application round is expected to open in July 2026 for connection offers between 2030 and 2035. Most of the quota for CP30 has been met, with around 500GW left.
For those planning a solar panel project, talk to your developer now, Kate said. Initial Grid G99 applications should be submitted by the end of January/beginning of February with your provider, as this process takes three months.
Next, submit the Environmental Impact Assessment and carry out all your seasonal habitat studies for any project proposing to meet Gate 2, and have your lease option signed by May 2026 at the latest. Your developer will then have a month to prepare your application for Gate 2 submission in early July, when the window opens.
Kate recommends choosing an IPP (Independent Power Producer) rather than an EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) or a developer to avoid potential delays in seeking funding, as IPPs cover both development and construction.
Solar offers landowners a sustained income for 40 years, with some now even using the income to create an insurance plan to pay off IHT bills, Kate said. Government-endorsed habitat studies conducted over 15 years across more than 100 farms also showed ecological improvements of 50–400% at well-managed sites.
Whilst there are concerns about the loss of food-producing land, government figures show that at most 0.6% of UK land will be used for solar panels, of which 0.3% will be agricultural, much of it lower-grade land. Additionally, there is a risk of losing farmland to foreign investors due to IHT issues forcing farm sales, and farmers will need support to keep it within British farming, she added.
A new project called Bear Acres is also exploring the possibilities of shade-resistant crops that can be grown under the panels, with a farm in Hereford trialling 20 varieties, Kate shared. The project is seeking landowners and funders who are already part of a solar project to participate.
ILOS Energy is set up to help landowners with last-minute applications for Grid connection. For more information, visit the company website or contact the company directly.
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