Ed Birkett

Ed Birkett, New Projects Director at Low Carbon and solar/battery project developer, breaks down the UK grid queue crisis. He explains gate one vs gate two reforms and why connection date uncertainty is delaying critical decisions. He covers battery co‑location, substation siting bottlenecks, and the planning and regulatory hurdles threatening 2030 delivery.

Ed Birkett, New Projects Director at Low Carbon who develops large-scale solar and storage, explains the tangled UK grid connection reforms. He breaks down the gate one/gate two system, why a 1,000GW queue formed, and how substation siting and battery co-location are now shaping project timelines and costs. The conversation covers who wins or loses under the reform and urgent next steps to unlock capacity.

Ed Birkett, Director of New Project Development at Low Carbon, shares insights into the renewable energy landscape in Great Britain. He discusses the challenges posed by 'zombie' projects cluttering the grid connection queue and the urgent need for system reform. Birkett explores how changes in Contracts for Difference could bolster net-zero goals, while also addressing the long lead times for essential equipment. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between strategic planning and market-driven approaches to enhance solar project development.