#74 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part 3 with Spencer Thompson, CEO, Eclipse Power

In this episode, Part 3 of a 4-part series, Connectologist® Pete Aston and colleague Alex Ikonic speak with Spencer Thompson, CEO of Eclipse Power Limited, exploring innovative solutions to transmission-level demand connection challenges. The core challenge: Data centres need three to four-year connection timelines but, unlike renewables, they're competing directly with Europe for investment—making UK speed critical. Key Issues: • UK competitiveness crisis – Data centres can choose European locations if UK proves too slow • Location paradox – Need London/M4 corridor proximity for latency, but grid capacity there is scarcest • TO inconsistency – NGET doesn't build out to sites; Scottish TOs do • BCA limitations – One legal entity per agreement complicates hybrid projects • Leadership vacuum – Unclear who owns decisions between Ofgem, DESNZ, and NESO Three Pathways Forward • Case-by-case exemptions for minimal transmission asset projects • Independent Transmission Operator licenses for "last mile" connections • Demand license regime mirroring generation licenses, particularly for hyperscalers Spencer's six-month goal: industry consensus on multiple connection pathways with clear governmental leadership, applying the urgency demonstrated in Connections Reform. Listen to the full series: 📌 Part 1 - Pete Aston's Series Introduction:    • #72 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part 1   📌 Part 2 - Ryan Adams (Innova):    • #73 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part...   📌 Part 4 - David Wildash (Apatura):    • #75 The Demand Connection Conundrum - Part...   Recorded 13 November 2025 This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it. Our links: Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/ Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newslet... Follow us on LinkedIn:   / roadnight-taylor-ltd   Find if we fit at [email protected]