Commercial & Industrial
Current± outlines the importance of our Open Letter to Ofgem
Current has outlined the content of our letter to Jonathan Brearley, OFGEM CEO, and explores the three options our Connectologist® Pete Aston proposes to solve the current issues with SGT charging
Connectologists® featuring in ‘Grid Locked’ article in The Times’ Raconteur report: “Energy & Sustainability”
We are excited that two of our Connectologists® have featured in the Times’ Raconteur article that has been published as part of a special report: “Energy & Sustainability.”
Utility Week interviews Roadnight Taylor to discuss the contents of our open letter to Ofgem
Following our Open letter to Ofgem urging them to consider reforming the mechanism for supergrid transformer charging, Utility Week got in contact to discuss the letter's contents and our suggestions for reform.
Financial Times reaches out to Roadnight Taylor for insight into how the grid capacity issue is stunting UK economic growth
Financial Times reaches out to Roadnight Taylor for insight into how the grid capacity issue is stunting UK economic growth
BloombergNEF’s report on grid connection queues supported by Roadnight Taylor’s perspective and data
BloombergNEF’s report on grid connection queues supported by Roadnight Taylor’s perspective and data
Specialist Connections Engineer – Vacancy
We are looking for two network engineers to join us as the fifth and sixth Connectologists®.
KPMG seeks insight from Roadnight Taylor for their report on Smarter Grids
We were delighted to have been asked by KPMG as‘UK electricity experts’ to give insight and pre-publication feedback on the UK content of their ‘Smarter Grids: Powering decarbonisation through technology investment’
Financial Times approaches Roadnight Taylor for deeper understanding of grid connection delays
Our CEO Hugh Taylor has been quoted in an article in the Financial Times that explores the delays in connecting to the grid that are threatening Britain’s net zero targets.
How to choose the right grid consultant
With the renewable energy, energy storage, commercial and industrial and datacentre industries now awash with developers and investors, how can those looking to originate or acquire schemes be confident that they are making the right decisions and investing their time and money – and their valuable opportunities – in the right company or consultant?
Current± invites our Connectologists® to give their perspective on the grid connectivity issue
Pete Aston has been interviewed and quoted by Current± on grid connectivity - one of the core challenges plaguing the UK’s energy networks.
Pete Aston gives his insight on grid connection delays to E&T
E&T interviewed Pete Aston, along with developers and engineering firms, on how grid connection delays are putting both climate targets and energy security at risk.
Grid connections – revolution or evolution – Electricity Storage Network 2023
Pete Aston was invited to join the panel at the Electricity Storage Network (ESN) Annual Conference 2023 to discuss grid connections and is there a revolution or evolution on the horizon for electricity storage?
Co-location – unpicking the challenges and opportunities – Electricity Storage Network 2023
Catherine Cleary was invited to join a panel at the Electricity Storage Network (ESN) Annual Conference 2023 to discuss the co-location of storage with renewable energy generation, the different challenges it creates, and how it will be deployed in 2023.
Net Hero Podcast – Is the grid going to grind down net zero?
Pete Aston was invited to join Sumit Bose on the Future Net Hero podcast to look at whether the lack of grid capacity and infrastructure will stop businesses getting to net zero.
Nikki Pillinger joins Roadnight Taylor as our fourth Connectologist®
Find out more about Nikki Pillinger, former grid connections manager at British Solar Renewables and GRIDSERVE, and her reasons why she joined Roadnight Taylor. Our CEO, Hugh Taylor, also explains why Nikki is a perfect fit for the Roadnight Taylor team.
Grid Connections Manager – Position Filled
We have a vacancy for a Grid Connections Manager to have complete oversight of specific clients’ grid connections operations – becoming each client’s own Virtual In-house Network Specialist.
Dash for Transmission – Electricity Storage Network
Catherine Cleary was invited to join the panel at the Electricity Storage Network (ESN) Annual Marketplace to discuss the increase in applications for transmission-connected energy storage projects, and the challenges and opportunities for connecting storage at transmission level.
Pete Aston joins Roadnight Taylor as Network Engineer
Find out more about Pete Aston, former Primary System Design Manager at Western Power Distribution, and his reasons why he joined Roadnight Taylor. Our CEO, Hugh Taylor, also explains why Pete is a perfect fit for the Roadnight Taylor team.
Don’t take a risk with energy agreements
Landowners must think twice before signing renewable energy agreements as they could end up tied into astronomical bills and unsuccessful projects, or be unable to successfully negotiate rents and lease terms.
Green Recovery Scheme call for evidence – take a considered approach
Hugh Taylor warns submissions for the Energy Networks Association Call for Evidence for the Green Recovery Scheme must be carefully considered and clearly demonstrate how a scheme will deliver against Ofgem & DNO objectives.
Smart distributed network of the future – Electricity Storage Network
Catherine Cleary was invited to join the panel at the Electricity Storage Network (ESN) Annual Marketplace to discuss the smart distributed network of the future.
The fundamental elements of clean energy scheme leases
TLT’s Maria Connolly, who’s team has provided legal advice to a number of Roadnight Taylor’s clients, spoke to Hugh Taylor on what both landowners and developers should be looking for in clean energy scheme leases.
Our 2020 results
We thought our achievements in 2019 were phenomenal, but 2020 was our true breakthrough year. We secured over two gigawatts-worth of capacity for solar for clients, saved our developer clients many £millions in connection offer non-contestable costs and more...
Overcoming grid capacity issues – Solar and Storage Live 2020
Hugh was invited to take part in a panel discussion at the virtual Solar and Storage Live event in December 2020. You can watch the recording here. The panel discussed the barriers and opportunities for addressing grid capacity, and how we can get the most from existing grid infrastructure to deliver Net Zero efficiently.
Exclusivity agreements for energy schemes: pitfalls and opportunities
In seeking to achieve a solar, wind or energy storage scheme, one of the first steps a developer will take is to secure an exclusivity agreement with the landowner. We take a closer look at exclusivity agreements, speaking to the expert team at Renew Legal, to understand what they are, the issues that can arise from them and if there are alternative approaches.
Cut your energy bills with Climate Change Agreement – with Heck! Food case study
Many businesses are unaware they could be eligible for the Climate Change Agreement Scheme to reduce the Climate Change Levy. Richard wrote this article and used the example of our recent work with clients Heck! Foods.
Industry should act fast to save on the Climate Change Levy
BEIS has extended the CCA scheme by another 2 years, and the deadline for applications for new entrants to 30 November 2020. Roadnight Taylor can help businesses assess eligibility and the cost/benefit of entering the scheme in the context of an investment strategy in low carbon assets.
Contracts for Difference Scheme: the impact on the solar site acquisition market
Hugh Taylor spoke to Michael Beale, Director of Business Development UK at Lightsource BP to ask him what impact this CfD announcement would have on the solar farm site acquisition market.
Deadline looms to reduce Climate Change Levy
Businesses have only a few months left to benefit from reduced energy bills through the extended Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme. Richard Palmer explained to The Energyst why even smaller business should think about joining the CCA scheme
Q&A: Why business rates shouldn’t scare people away from solar – Solar Power Portal
After the Lidl's case highlighted business rates on solar, Richard was interviewed by Solar Power Portal to find out what needs to change to make business rates and solar work.
Non-domestic solar arrays underperforming by £millions annually
Many commercial/non-domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) schemes are financially underperforming and reduced energy output isn’t the only cause, our recent PV HealthChecks have found.
Energy Opportunity – RICS Land Journal
Hugh was invited to write for the RICS Land Journal. He covers the energy scheme opportunities for landowners, the different approaches, the current issues and technology options, and how to maximise chances of success.
Don’t let Lidl business rates liability case scare you away from solar
The recent news that supermarket chain Lidl saw its business rates jump by over 528% due to changes in the valuation of the solar PV installations at its sites, should not scare businesses away from solar.
Our 2019 results
In 2019 we secured grid capacity for over 1GW of solar, storage, gensets and energy from waste (EfW) schemes, on over 3,000 acres with a lifetime ground rent of £100m. Why not join us in 2020?
Roadnight Taylor 2019 Festive Stats
After a spectacular year in which Roadnight Taylor Ltd really came of age, we totted up some of our successes in 2019. A huge thank you to our extraordinary and talented team - and all the developers, businesses, public sector bodies and site owners who put their faith in us in 2019. Happy Christmas!
On-site energy schemes – what are the opportunities for landowners?
Hugh was interviewed by AMP Clean Energy for their guest blog. He discusses the on-site energy opportunities for landowners and developers, and why decarbonisation is driving demand for sites that can host flexible generation assets.
Smart Export Guarantee – Part 2: What to do now if investing in renewables
The days of stacking lots of solar panels on a roof to benefit from the FiT are over. A change in mindset is needed when considering investment in renewables. Richard Palmer looks at how you can make sure you invest wisely.
Smart Export Guarantee – Part 1: Not so smart or much of a guarantee!
Our Senior Consultant, Richard Palmer, looks at the new Smart Export Guarantee and explains, how as financial returns are no longer guaranteed, it forces a mindset switch for those looking to invest in renewable energy schemes.
5 Must-Dos before making an investment in on-site solar PV
We are increasingly being asked by clients to assess quotations from renewable energy installers. We've found several common issues with our clients’ approaches and, more worryingly, with the contractors they are employing to install schemes.
Renewables projects – a series of articles with Ashfords Energy & Waste Team
A series of articles written by Ashfords Energy & Waste Team and Roadnight Taylor's Richard Palmer assessing the opportunities and challenges for owners of renewable energy assets or for those looking to invest in a scheme.
Interested in energy schemes? Check grid capacity
Press release: Landowners interested in securing income from energy schemes should not be put off by an apparent lack of grid capacity. Grid availability is changing all the time, with success often depending on timing.
The return of the large-scale standalone solar market
As solar technology prices decrease and energy prices increase, we are at a tipping point in the large-scale solar market. With opportunities returning, large-scale solar, located with or without batteries, can offer landowners with the right sites a strong diversification income.
13 Do’s and Don’ts for securing lucrative ground rents from energy schemes
There are opportunities for landowners to earn diversification incomes from power generation and energy storage schemes. We give some tips to ensure you secure the best ground rents from hosting such schemes.
Battery storage versus gas gensets – a market snapshot
We are currently seeing a stronger market and appetite from developers for gas genset sites compared to battery storage sites. This results from several related market conditions which we explain below.
Don’t miss National Grid’s deadline
Press release: Time is running out for landowners who want to host a large-scale power generation or battery storage scheme, with a key deadline looming.
How assessment and design fees became connection offer expenses
Hugh was invited to contribute a feature article to Utility Week. Given the impending Connection Offer Expenses that Distribution DNOs can charge from 6 April 2018, he surveyed his contacts at the DNOs to get an idea of their charging intentions.
Act quickly to avoid grid application fees
Press release: Farmers and landowners interested in energy generation or storage projects should act quickly to avoid potentially steep fees. From 6 April network operators in England, Wales and Scotland will be able to charge up-front fees for grid connection offers, which could run into thousands of pounds.
40MW gas genset and 10MW battery storage scheme in Shropshire
Roadnight Taylor secured 40MW of export capacity and 10MW of import capacity for battery storage behind the same connection for an industrial client in Shropshire.
Tread carefully with grid advice before paying for an application
Many landowners have contacted us recently after they've been approached by firms touting grid advice and persuading landowners to sign up to up-front fees for making a battery storage grid application. Read how you should beware of this approach and find out how we are different.
20MW battery storage scheme in Greater Manchester
We secured 20MW of battery storage capacity on our client's redundant urban site and also secured the highest ground rent from a developer we have seen to date.
A sad day caused by grid connection application scandal
A sad day caused by grid connection application scandal This article was first published on Linkedin on 30 November 2017 and was picked up and republished by The Energyst. I rang to say goodbye and good luck to a brilliant System Planner (an extra-high voltage network designer) who is leaving one of our favourite Distribution Network Operators yesterday. It was upsetting to hear he is leaving because of the huge volumes of grid applications he receives that don’t proceed. He believes that out of every 100 applications he processes, only five grid offers are accepted and only two offers see [...]
Will we see standalone subsidy-free solar in 2018?
2017 saw the first subsidy-free solar farm energise, but the scheme was located with battery storage and had an existing suitable grid connection. The burning question is when could we see a subsidy-free standalone scheme deployed on a new connection?
Behind-the-meter battery storage: the pitfalls to avoid
Behind-the-meter battery storage remains an expensive technology, and the risks of investing unwisely are high if you haven’t done your research and correct planning first. Battery storage is not suited to all sites, not all sites will a business case for scheme and the risks of being mis-sold are high.
Should you be tapping into battery storage opportunities behind the meter?
Battery storage located ‘behind the meter’ is an emerging market which holds huge potential for energy cost savings and income opportunities for some businesses, farms and estates. We look at what it is, which sites it is suited to and highlight the benefits it can bring to a site.
‘Grid is King’ for any stand-alone or co-located scheme
We are delighted that our CEO, Hugh Taylor, has been interviewed for The Energyst. Grid is King for any standalone or behind-the-meter, single technology or co-located schemes.
800kW behind-the-meter solar and battery storage advice in Yorkshire
Read how we secured grid capacity for 800kW of behind-the-meter battery storage for our Yorkshire clients and the consultancy we are now providing.
Subsidy-free stand-alone solar is coming, but it isn’t quite here yet
At the end of September the UK's first subsidy-free solar farm was unveiled. There is no doubt that this scheme is a step forward for the renewables industry. However, even though this scheme was financially viable without any subsidies, it doesn’t mean that every large solar scheme will be, in the short term.
What makes a good gas genset site?
Most of the 'noise' in the energy industry is about the lucrative opportunities from battery storage, and we've written about sites that are suitable for battery storage before. However, batteries are not suitable for all sites or all parts of the electrical grid. A gas genset may be suitable for sites where a battery storage isn't.
Find out if you have viable battery storage or power scheme sites
Any battery storage or power generation scheme will need a cost-effective grid connection. It may also need planning consents, land rights, the right generation or demand profile, sufficient budget and an appropriate return on investment.
How to choose the right grid consultant
With the power generation and energy storage industry awash with developers and consultants, how can landowners looking to invest in energy schemes be confident that they are making the right decision and investing their time and money in the right company or consultant?
7MW battery storage scheme in Oxfordshire
The 7MW of battery storage capacity we secured for a pension fund client yielded a very competitive ground rent offer following our tender process.
Do you have a site suitable for battery storage?
Numerous factors must conspire for a site to be viable for battery storage. See how you should find out if you have genuine potential for a site in this article first published in Energy Now magazine.
7.5MW gas genset scheme in Kent
Our client secured 7.5MW of grid capacity for a gas genset scheme and we achieved a very competitive ground rent offer from a developer.
Be proactive. Don’t wait for a developer to come to you.
To get the best out of any scheme we encourage landowners to be proactive and investigate their energy opportunities. If appropriate, seek permission to connect to the electrical grid before a developer approaches them. Maintaining control throughout the process is key to success.
Woah! Hold your horses on battery storage!
Hugh urges those spouting forth the huge opportunities from battery storage to approach storage much more cautiously. He looks at the pitfalls and correct approaches to leasing sites to storage developers and self-funded schemes.
Grid rights and wrongs
Excerpts from an article written by Hugh Taylor for the RICS Property Journal. In the full article, Hugh looks at the growing market for small decentralised power schemes, highlights how grid rights can be valuable, and how to avoid common grid right pitfalls.