What’s next for GA Energy after Gate 2?
The summer of 2025 was certainly one to remember for everyone operating in the renewable energy sector. The National Energy System Operator (NESO), which manages the planning and delivery of renewable energy across the UK, introduced a new queue process for energy projects wanting to connect to the UK’s electricity network. This new queuing system resulted in a queue known as “Gate 2” being opened, and a rush of applications being submitted.
For those not familiar with energy projects and Gate 2, imagine a long queue in a supermarket when self-service is down and only one till is open and then, all of a sudden, a new till opens!
Gate 2
At GA Energy we saw a flurry of activity to submit more projects into the new grid application queue in a restricted time period than we have ever seen before.
Helen Rumford, partner and head of GA Energy, led the team in supporting our clients through preparing and submitting applications of more than 1.4 GW of solar and energy storage into the Gate 2 queue last year.
At the same time the team continued to work with clients on existing operational assets, helping to maximise value from operating projects, taking a virtual in-house role to review and problem solve as and when matters arose on site. They also continued to support clients with the disposal of ready to build and operational assets within their portfolios.
Reflecting on 2025, Helen Rumford commented: “We certainly had a very busy year, but even during the peak of our busy times we continued to give each of our clients the time and attention we always have.”
“In my 20+ years working as an energy lawyer, I have seen the sector adapt to meet challenges, respond to sudden changes in policy and at the same time continue to be proactive and innovative in technologies, business structures and joint ventures to build resilience and to move the sector forwards. As energy lawyers we do likewise, so whilst there was a peak in new options for solar and battery leases last year, we continued to work with our clients on new technologies, direct supply projects, green gas and on disposals of projects already having secured grid connection dates. This work will continue for the year ahead”.
James Peterson, partner and head of GA’s corporate commercial team, led on a number of disposals for various renewable energy clients last year, ably supported by associate Jack Ross. Property support was provided by Helen Rumford, partner Lucy Foster and associate Hannah Bearman.
What does 2026 hold for GA Energy?
Disposal work continues to keep the team busy, and we will likely see a peak of activity in the acquisition and disposal market when new, ready to build projects which are sat in the Gate 2 queue start to receive grid offers. The value of these will only truly be ascertained once connection dates are known.
Looking further ahead, as part of the grid connection reform process, those in the energy sector planning future projects are also keen to see progress being made with the awaited Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, more commonly referred to as SSEP. This plan is intended to set new targets for the UK on the path to reach net zero and set out where investment is needed to achieve the new targets.
The new plan may help achieve earlier grid connection dates for projects in geographical “zones” where new energy projects are most needed. It is anticipated that the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will decide on the proposed SSEP later this year before it is released for consultation and intended publication in early 2027. In the run up to and following publication of the SSEP, we may well see momentum build again for new projects, once the future pathway for the UK’s energy system becomes clearer.
GA Solicitors offers a wide range of commercial and property services across the UK’s clean energy sector, an area which the firm is passionate about. More details of the services provided by the team, and contact details, can be found on GA Energy’s dedicated web page. You can also see the team’s write up in The Legal 500 here.
All content on this website (inclusive of guides, blogs and imagery) is strictly copyrighted by Gill Akaster LLP, trading as GA Solicitors. It is not to be used by any third party without prior contact and permission. Any requests for content should be sent to katy.mckenna@GAsolicitors.com.