Britain cuts hundreds of stalled energy projects to fast-track grid connections for climate goals

Britain’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) is taking decisive action to break through a massive bureaucratic logjam that has been preventing renewable energy projects from connecting to the national power grid. Hundreds of stalled electricity generation projects—dubbed “zombie” projects by industry insiders—will be officially canceled to make room for viable developments that can actually move forward.

The bold move aims to clear space for “shovel-ready” renewable energy ventures that have been stuck in an approval backlog for years. Project developers across the country will learn Monday whether their proposals have made the cut or been axed entirely. Those that survive the cull will be fast-tracked for grid connection by either 2030 or 2035, depending on their priority level.

This dramatic reshuffling represents a critical step toward Britain’s ambitious goal of building a virtually zero-carbon electricity system by 2030. The current bottleneck has created a frustrating paradox: while the UK government pushes aggressive climate targets, promising renewable energy projects have been trapped in administrative limbo, unable to contribute clean power to the grid.

By eliminating projects that exist only on paper and have little chance of actual development, NESO hopes to create a clearer pathway for legitimate renewable energy investments. The streamlined approach could unlock billions in green energy infrastructure and help Britain meet its net-zero commitments while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.