Infrastructure Interconnection reforms and processes across the Atlantic: A primer

The document examines the critical backlogs in interconnection queues in the U.S. and UK, where over 2,500 GW and 750 GW of generation and storage are awaiting connection, respectively. It details a shared shift toward 'first ready, first served' principles, utilizing cluster study approaches and stricter financial requirements to eliminate speculative projects. However, it highlights a key divergence: while the U.S. generally maintains an open-access model based on readiness, the UK's 'first ready and needed, first connected' approach allows the government to prioritize resources that align with national policy targets. The primer also notes the emergence of hybrid models in constrained U.S. regions like California, where the CAISO uses a 'first ready, first scored' system to align connections with state resource plans.

• Interconnection queues in the U.S. and UK are severely backlogged, with over 2,500 GW of generation and storage awaiting connection in the U.S. and over 750 GW in the UK, leading to project wait times of five years or more.
• Both the U.S. and UK are reforming their interconnection processes by replacing the legacy "first come, first served" model with a "first ready, first served" approach. This transition involves moving from serial study processes to cluster or batch study approaches and implementing significant upfront financial commitments, such as non-refundable deposits and penalties for late withdrawal, to filter out speculative projects.

APA

Dunne, C. D. (2025). Infrastructure Interconnection reforms and processes across the Atlantic: A primer. Clean Air Task Force. https://www.catf.us/2025/10/interconnection-reforms-and-processes-across-the-atlantic-a-primer/

Chicago

Dunne, Cameron Dehmlow. Infrastructure Interconnection reforms and processes across the Atlantic: A primer. Clean Air Task Force, 2025. https://www.catf.us/2025/10/interconnection-reforms-and-processes-across-the-atlantic-a-primer/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Dunne |first1=Cameron Dehmlow |title=Infrastructure Interconnection reforms and processes across the Atlantic: A primer |publisher=Clean Air Task Force |date=20 October 2025 |url=https://www.catf.us/2025/10/interconnection-reforms-and-processes-across-the-atlantic-a-primer/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{dunne2025infrastructure, author = {Dunne, Cameron Dehmlow}, title = {{Infrastructure Interconnection reforms and processes across the Atlantic: A primer}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, year = {2025}, month = oct, url = {https://www.catf.us/2025/10/interconnection-reforms-and-processes-across-the-atlantic-a-primer/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }