The launch of Ofgem's consultation confirms its agreement, as the industry regulator, on the need for the National Grid ESO's proposed 'Beyond 2030' plan for major transmission network investments across the north of Scotland, which are essential in order to help reach net zero. The consultation also sets out the regulatory delivery pathways required to progress these projects.
Following on from the ESO's 'Pathway to 2030' Holistic Network Design from 2022, National Grid ESO's 'Beyond 2030' plan was announced in March this year and outlines the next tranche of projects required to connect all of the ScotWind offshore wind projects. The plan will also enable the connection of other low-carbon technologies, further supporting the country's transition to net zero and helping deliver energy security through the deployment of homegrown, low-carbon electricity generation.
In the north of Scotland, Ofgem supports the ESO's plan, confirming the need for a number of projects to proceed for delivery by the mid-2030s. Combined, this represents a potential estimated investment of over £5bn for SSEN Transmission and includes:
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• Shetland Hub – A second High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea link from Shetland, connecting to Coachford (Blackhillock 2) substation
• DSUP – A new 400kV double circuit between Dounreay, Thurso and Banniskirk (Spittal 2), with new 400kV substations at Dounreay and Thurso
• BKUP – Rebuild the existing Blackhillock-Kintore 275kV double circuit to 400kV with a new 400kV substation required along its route
• PKUP – Increase the capacity of the planned Peterhead to Longside (Peterhead 2) 400kV double circuit with a higher capacity 400kV double circuit; upgrade the existing Peterhead-Persley-Kintore 275kV double circuit to 400kV including a new substation along its route; and install a higher capacity conductor on sections of the existing Kintore-Alyth-Kincardine 400kV double circuit
The consultation also identifies SSEN Transmission as the delivery body for the Shetland Hub, DSUP and PKUP projects and we look forward to delivery confirmation of the remaining BKUP project in the coming weeks. The regulatory framework set out in today's publication enables the ongoing development of these critical network investments. They will also be subject to extensive public consultation to help inform the development of these new and upgraded network infrastructure requirements.
For the other projects in the north of Scotland included in the ESO's 'Beyond 2030' report, further assessment is necessary to determine the appropriate level of investment required to enable the full potential of ScotWind to be realised, including the most appropriate solution for the required north-south transfer of power.
SSEN Transmission Managing Director Rob McDonald said: "We welcome the launch of Ofgem's consultation on the proposed 'Beyond 2030' grid enhancements which is the next step in determining how these essential projects can be taken forwards.
"Today's consultation launch reaffirms the need for these projects and underlines the importance of investment in the electricity transmission network to reach national energy targets, while also offering further clarity on our post-2030 growth plans.
"We hope this consultation will allow for an accelerated approach to regulatory financial frameworks so we can deliver on the new government's ambitious energy emission targets too.
"We now look forward to a timely decision from Ofgem and will continue to work constructively with the regulator and wider stakeholders to unlock the investment required for these vital projects to help us reach net zero."
