Almost 60% of UK energy leaders rank grid network readiness among the top three barriers to delivering energy infrastructure.
A survey by professional services company Jacobs has found policy and regulation uncertainty is another major constraint as 70% of respondents say it is among the top three barriers to investment readiness.
Delivery challenges extend far beyond individual projects as 57% of energy leaders say the readiness of other infrastructure systems outside of their direct control places a major or critical constraint.
Clean Power 2030, grid connections reform and the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) emerging strategic spatial planning framework are intended to provide clearer direction on what infrastructure is needed, where it should be built and which projects should take priority.
However, faster delivery still depends on planning authorities, regulators, network operators, developers and community efforts.
Across the pond, 80% of energy leaders in the US rank permitting among the top three barriers as rapid growth in data centres, AI and advanced manufacturing is putting pressure on electricity demand.
In Germany, 84% expect at least a quarter of major energy infrastructure projects to be at risk of delay or cost overrurn.
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