Grid connection
Grid connection made simple: 4 tips to get it right the first time
Market insights
September 29, 2025
4 min read
Europe’s renewable energy build-out is accelerating, but one bottleneck continues to slow down progress: securing grid connections.
At our recent webinar, we teamed up with experts from NovoGrid and Opoura to explore the critical challenge of grid connection, and most importantly, how developers both on-site at the plant and on the grid-side can address it more effectively.
In this blog post, we highlight four key tips from the webinar.
1. System operators are not gatekeepers
It is easy to view transmission and distribution system operators as obstacles throughout the renewable energy process. But their mandate is clear: balance national energy needs while maintaining grid reliability and cost efficiency – for all. Understanding this perspective helps developers better align their strategies with system operator requirements. Building trust and open communication with operators can also lead to smoother approval processes and stronger collaboration.
It is important to note that system operators do not provide tailored solutions for individual projects.
As Dr Conor Murphy, VP of Engineering at NovoGrid, explains: “System operators focus on reliable, efficient, and least cost outcomes. They are engineers for everyone and don’t tailor solutions for a single project.”
Their role is also to:
Operate
Maintain
Plan
Tip:
Developers should carefully plan their projects to align with grid connection possibilities rather than expecting personalized accommodations.
2. Size really does matter
A common misstep for developers is to apply for more capacity than they actually need. While it may seem safer to oversize applications for grid connection, in practice, it often leads to delays of several years and additional costs. Optimizing the asset mix and requested capacity upfront is one of the most effective ways to keep projects on track.
As Conor highlights during the discussion, “Project owners often think it’s worth applying for an extra few megawatts, just in case. But in reality, that additional capacity request can set a project back by years. It’s not always worth it.”
Erik Bundgaard Poulsen, Commercial Director of Power Engineering at Opoura, adds perspective on how the sizing of power plants has changed over time.
“Ten years ago, if you were building a wind or PV plant, the guideline was simple: if you’re going to build it anyway, build it as big as possible to reduce expenses and increase your return. Today, we take a more nuanced approach, carefully balancing technical feasibility, grid constraints, and financial returns,” says Erik Bundgaard Poulsen.
Tip:
Carefully analyzing demand forecasts and future expansion plans can help ensure that applications are realistic without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
3. Assess geographical impact
No two countries in Europe handle grid connections in the exact same way. In Denmark, developers face differentiated grid fees that vary depending on the generation and consumption in each region. In Great Britain, strict capacity and the introduction of readiness criteria add another layer of complexity. In Ireland, developers can now apply for a grid connection once planning notification has been settled, speeding up the timeline compared to previous practices. As Conor Murphy explains:
“You should consider where your plant is placed. Connection fees, regional demand, and local infrastructure all influence how quickly and efficiently your project can move forward, ” says Conor Murphy.
Tip:
The location of your project does not just influence access; it directly affects timelines, costs, and long-term viability. Local knowledge and early engagement with regional authorities are invaluable tools for navigating these differences.
4. Start compliance early
Grid codes and technical requirements are evolving rapidly. Developers who only consider compliance late in the project risk costly redesigns and approval setbacks. Building compliance considerations into the early planning phases is essential. Early alignment with technical consultants and system operators can help identify potential challenges before they become obstacles, thereby saving both time and money in the long run.
“Make sure to understand your grid connection requirements to avoid building something that will not actually be in compliance so that you will not be allowed to operate it. If compliance is left to the end, it’s usually too late. You end up redesigning parts of the project, which costs both time and money. Compliance needs to be integrated from day one,” says Erik Bundgaard Poulsen, Commercial Director of Power Engineering at Opoura.
Erik B. Poulsen, Commercial Director at Opoura encourages developers and plant owners to be open-minded in terms of asset mix and not stay too fixed on initial ideas.
Tip:
By approaching grid connections with early compliance, flexibility, and strong partnerships, developers and plant owners can not only overcome today’s challenges but also position their projects for long-term success.
Explore how Opoura can help you connect to the grid. Check out our Power Engineering services, or watch the full webinar here: Link
