A fully integrated planning tool capable of undertaking an initial grid connection assessment for prospective renewable energy generators (REG) has been developed to support the Scottish Executive achieve their targets for renewable energy utilisation, and to assist the Scottish electric utility companies to optimise and expedite the significant volume of applications for new connections. This paper presents the conceptual design of the novel integrated planning tool intended to automate the preliminary grid connection assessments. The computer-based (PC) framework combines the analytical capabilities of modern Geographic Information Systems and existing industry-standard Power Systems Simulators. The tool allows the prompt, automated determination of the preferred grid connection route, coupling points and undertakes a capacity and voltage limit analysis of the technical feasibility analysis of the proposed REG. Simple adjustments are also permitted to investigate constraining the REG development or upgrading (re-conducturing) the existing grid connection lines. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.