Ed Miliband warns delays to Net Zero plans are 'not acceptable' as wind, solar and battery projects falter

Michael Shanks, serving as Mr Miliband’s principal deputy at the department, has directed criticism at the National Energy System Operator over growing delays linked to inaccurate data and planning complications.

In correspondence addressed to civil servants, Mr Shanks and Ofgem stated: "We have been clear that further slippage is not acceptable and have set expectations for a firm, coordinated response."

The energy minister has demanded that Neso produce regular progress updates, enabling industry stakeholders to monitor improvements to the system.

Tensions have escalated following Neso’s decision in January to impose a temporary moratorium on fresh grid connection applications, citing an overwhelming backlog of requests.

Substantial additions of wind, solar and battery capacity remain essential if Britain is to achieve Mr Miliband’s objective of generating 95 per cent clean electricity by 2030.

The Government-controlled body took over responsibility for connections when it was separated from National Grid two years ago.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Iran has driven up oil and gas prices, pushing petrol costs and household energy bills higher.

Mr Miliband has argued that the Middle Eastern turmoil strengthens the case for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.

Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, cautioned that the rush to connect large volumes of renewable generation would impose significant costs on households.

"If we keep dashing towards renewables before the grid is ready, then we will just keep paying more to switch off wind and solar that can't get to the right place with an £8billion a year price tag because of Ed's botched plans."

Ms Coutinho added that the grid infrastructure required for renewables would be "two to three times more than other systems" and would ultimately "land on people's bills."

Ministers introduced reforms last year designed to prioritise projects nearing completion within the grid connection queue.

Mr Miliband’s clean power action plan, released in December 2024, described these changes as "critical" to Labour’s 2030 mission, warning that essential projects would otherwise face delays.

According to Mr Shanks, the restructuring has removed 221 gigawatts of stalled or redundant schemes from the waiting list.

Nevertheless, battery storage projects continue to create bottlenecks, with planned capacity exceeding actual requirements.

The difficulties are not new, with Octopus chief executive Greg Jackson revealing in 2024 that a County Durham solar farm faced a 13-year wait for connection, prompting the company to consider overseas investment instead.