Aggreko is calling for greater use of bridging power solutions to help mitigate the impact of grid delays
Aggreko, a UK-based global provider of temporary power, temperature control and energy solutions, is calling for greater use of bridging power solutions to help mitigate the impact of grid connection delays, speed up commissioning and accelerate the delivery of clean energy infrastructure following the UK Government's new onshore wind strategy
The strategy aims to unlock up to 10GW of new onshore wind capacity. It includes Ofgem's commitment to consider stricter obligations and incentives for network companies to encourage a reduction in connection timescales.
Aggreko has welcomed the strategy but warns that without practical measures to speed up commissioning and addressing grid bottlenecks during construction, the UK could risk missing key milestones in its energy transition.
Alan Dunne, UK and Ireland managing director at Aggreko, said: "The Government's renewed focus on onshore wind is a positive step forward that should definitely be welcomed."
"However, the reality is that many projects are still being held back by long grid connection delays before they're even able to get into commissioning."
"Bridging power solutions can play a vital role in keeping projects on track, powering construction sites and enabling commissioning while developers wait for permanent grid access. This will be critical to the large-scale delivery of new wind farms."
According to Dunne, the deployment of high-voltage power packages consisting of Stage V generators, transformers, and load banks allows commisioning to take place even when a grid connection is absent. So the wind farm can be brought online quickly when a connection has been established.
Generators running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) during the construction phase can support equipment, site power, building, and cable laying, helping to prevent any project delays and reduce risk while minimising environmental impact.
Creating a hybrid system, by combining the HVO-run generators with a battery energy storage system (BESS), enables periods of zero-emissions power that generate little noise.
Investment in innovative, low-carbon solutions is a core principle of Aggreko's sustainability framework, Energising Change, supporting the energy transition by facilitating access to greener technology where possible. This includes a $200 million investment in BESS in 2024 to bolster its Greener Upgrades fleet.
Dunne said: "If we are serious about accelerating the UK's clean energy transition, we must ensure that infrastructure projects are not stalled by avoidable delays. In these circumstances, bridging power is not just a stopgap, but a key strategic tool to help unlock further energy capacity and reduce emissions, keeping the UK on track to meet its net zero goals."
"As the onshore wind industry continues to scale, the ability to deploy flexible, low-emission power solutions quickly and reliably will be critical. By working with experienced partners who understand the unique demands of renewable infrastructure, developers can overcome grid-related challenges and maintain momentum even in challenging circumstances."
