Grid Consultancy
Kyle Murchie joins the Roadnight Taylor team
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kyle Murchie who joins from SSEN Transmission, where he was manager of a multi-disciplinary engineering team within the Project Engineering department.
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”Connectologists® featuring in ‘Grid Locked’ article in The Times’ Raconteur report: “Energy & Sustainability”
Commercial & Industrial, Energy Developers, Farms & Estates, Grid Consultancy, News, Public Sector, Published Articles
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 OfgemUtility Week interviews Roadnight Taylor to discuss the contents of our open letter to Ofgem
Commercial & Industrial, Energy Developers, Farms & Estates, Grid Consultancy, News, Public Sector, Published Articles
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 growthFinancial Times reaches out to Roadnight Taylor for insight into how the grid capacity issue is stunting UK economic growth
Commercial & Industrial, Energy Developers, Farms & Estates, Grid Consultancy, News, Public Sector, Published Articles
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 dataBloombergNEF’s report on grid connection queues supported by Roadnight Taylor’s perspective and data
Commercial & Industrial, Energy Developers, Farms & Estates, Grid Consultancy, News, Public Sector, Published Articles
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 delaysFinancial Times approaches Roadnight Taylor for deeper understanding of grid connection delays
Commercial & Industrial, Energy Developers, Farms & Estates, Grid Consultancy, News, Public Sector, Published Articles
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 issueCurrent± invites our Connectologists® to give their perspective on the grid connectivity issue
Commercial & Industrial, Energy Developers, Farms & Estates, Grid Consultancy, Public Sector, Published Articles
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.
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.
The Telegraph interviews Pete Aston on grid delays
Following our flagging of the long connection timescales being given to large-scale generation and storage schemes to the Financial Times, Pete Aston has been interviewed by the Telegraph.
Roadnight Taylor first to flag grid connection delays to the Financial Times
Developers seeking to connect to the electricity grid are being given connection timescales of 2028 and well beyond. We flagged this to the Financial Times and are thrilled they ran with the story.
What is Active Network Management?
We explain what is Active Network Management (ANM) and what it means for some proposed grid connection projects.
What limits Active Network Management systems?
Two factors limit an Active Network Management System; financial and technical limitations. This article discusses these in detail.
What is Category Z Active Network Management?
We explain what is Category Z Active Network Management (ANM) and what it means for some proposed grid connection projects.
What is Category B Active Network Management?
We explain what is Category B Active Network Management (ANM) and what it means for some proposed grid connection projects.
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.
Grid expertise delivers unprecedented connection success for Novus
In less than three years, Novus has secured more than 1,100 megawatts-worth of viable grid capacity across 34 sites – at distribution level alone. They put this success largely down to employing Roadnight Taylor.
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.
Pete Aston joins the Roadnight Taylor team
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Pete Aston as Network Engineer. He joins from Western Power Distribution (WPD), where he was Primary System Design Manager responsible for all grid connections to the high and extra-high voltage networks across all WPD's licence areas.
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.
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.
Roadnight Taylor appointed as a Crown Commercial Service supplier
We’re pleased to announce our appointment onto Crown Commercial Service’s Heat Networks and Electricity Generation Assets (HELGA) agreement.
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.
Electric Vehicle Evolution – CLA Land & Business
The opportunities for electric vehicles and EV charging including delivering competitive advantage, raising customer satisfaction, highlighting environmental credentials, adding income and gaining rent from hosting infrastructure.
G99 applications and compliance – the what, the why and the how
We look at why the new Engineering Recommendation G99 was needed and what these more complex requirements now mean for power generation or storage plant being connected to the UK electricity network.
Penny wise, millions foolish – a lesson in the cost of not using expert advisors in energy scheme developments
A solar developer achieved a grid connection offer for a solar farm site but missed a crucial stage in the process and so failed to secure and safeguard the grid rights - thus losing out on any opportunity. What should they have done?
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!
Prime opportunity for energy schemes but take care
The average landowner’s chances of getting an energy scheme are greater now than ever. But, there has also never been a more appropriate time to be prudent and not sign up with the first developer that knocks at the door.
Consenting and implementation expertise for energy scheme developers
Our services extend to supporting professional energy developer teams and the entrepreneurial self developer.
Grid expertise secures a successful outcome – but it was too late for another
Two recent cases where our considerable level of grid expertise has been demonstrated. One case led to a lucrative outcome for a developer. The other highlighted why getting us involved at the start of a project will achieve better outcomes.
50MW solar scheme in Nottinghamshire
We're delighted for our landowning client for whom we secured 50MW of grid capacity for a solar scheme on 205 acres in Nottinghamshire. It was a pleasure working with Harry Edwards of Fisher German LLP on this and great to see the project into the incredibly safe pair of hands of Michael Beale and his brilliant team at Lightsource BP. Read more on the scheme as published on Solar Power Portal here. This is not our biggest scheme - but it is one of several large sites that we have secured grid connection rights in recent months.
Beware developers off-loading grid connection rights, warns Roadnight Taylor
Press release: Landowners should be cautious of offers to buy grid connection rights for battery storage schemes. No matter what the situation or the fee, there can be substantial financial obligations within accepted grid offers - and the site may not even be viable.
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.
50MW gas genset and 25MW battery storage scheme in Nottinghamshire
Roadnight Taylor secured 50MW export capacity for a gas genset scheme and 25MW import capacity for battery storage and reduced the connection charge by £1.5 million for a landed estate in Nottinghamshire.
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 [...]
‘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.
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.
8MW battery storage scheme in Shropshire
We secured 8MW of viable grid capacity for a battery storage scheme connecting at 33kV and secured competitive offers from developers for our large rural estate client.
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.
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.
4MW solar scheme in Nottinghamshire
We secured 4MW of export capacity for a Nottinghamshire estate’s second solar farm.
5MW solar scheme in Hampshire
Our client has successfully entered into a lease with the leading solar developer-operator, after previously and ill-advisedly signing a letter authorising an inexperienced ‘developer’ to apply for a connection.
20MW gas genset scheme in Berkshire
We have secured grid capacity for the first of two gas genset schemes for a landed estate in Berkshire.
20MW gas genset scheme in Hampshire
Planning permission and a capacity market contract has been achieved for a scheme in Hampshire, where we secured 20MW of grid capacity.
10MW gas genset scheme on Northamptonshire and Leicestershire border
A 10MW gas genset scheme, for which we secured a viable grid connection offer, has achieved full planning permission.
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.
Rural energy revival
Excerpts from an article Hugh Taylor had published in the RICS Land Journal in June 2016. Hugh examined the current and future prospects for energy opportunities for rural landowners, details some of the complex systems that National Grid use to balance grid supply and the revenues that could be available to landowners.
20MW solar scheme in Nottinghamshire
The 20MW Budby Solar Farm in Nottinghamshire, where we secured the grid capacity, has been energised.