Oct 11 - Scotsman, The

The electricity regulator has called for action to speed up the connection of green energy schemes to the National Grid, including many which are stuck in planning.

Ofgem says the race to develop renewables has created a backlog of projects.

In Scotland there is a queue of 12 gigawatts of generation waiting to connect, about twice the existing capacity.

But it is claimed it is unlikely that all of this will get built due to planning or finance issues.

Ofgem says upgrades to the network, such as that on the Beauly- Denny line which is seen as being crucial to the development of renewables, are stuck in the planning process.

Alistair Buchanan, Ofgem's chief executive, said: "While Ofgem has allowed the investment to connect viable new generation, key network projects are now mired in the planning process, which could lead to delays in generators getting connected."

Ofgem says radical reform is needed and will publish proposals in December.

Jason Ormiston, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "They are right to identify the level of demand for connection is creating problems. We recognise that and it is important the industry, Ofgem and the government work together to try to find solutions."

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