New Dounreay-Thurso-Spittal powerline ‘needed by mid-2030s’
A new 400kV powerline connecting Dounreay, Thurso and Spittal is among the projects needed to bolster the electricity network by the mid-2030s, according to SSEN Transmission.
The network operator said it welcomed a consultation from the industry regulator, Ofgem, on its proposed “Beyond 2030” projects.
The consultation runs until the end of August and aims to work towards a coordinated network design to allow for 86GW of offshore wind connection, including 21GW from the ScotWind leasing round which includes a number of planned offshore wind farms around the north of Scotland.
Ofgem’s consultation document sets out the proposed regulatory funding and approval framework for the onshore electricity transmission projects recommended in the Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) latest transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan 2 – also referred to as the “Beyond 2030 report”.
The document states: “We would like views from people with an interest in development of the electricity transmission network and net zero. We particularly welcome responses from the electricity transmission owners and the ESO and we also welcome responses from consumer groups, other stakeholders and the public.”
SSEN Transmission says it confirms the need for major transmission network investments across the north of Scotland, which it adds are essential in order to help reach net zero.
The consultation also sets out the regulatory delivery pathways required to progress these projects.
The Beyond 2030 plan, initially announced in March, 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 including solar, battery storage and hydrogen electrolysers.
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.
These projects include a new 400kV double circuit between Dounreay, Thurso and Banniskirk (Spittal 2), with new 400kV substations at Dounreay and Thurso, as well as a second High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea link from Shetland to Blackhillock in Moray.
Altogether, the various projects represent a potential investment of more than £5 billion for SSEN Transmission, which is identified as the delivery body for the projects.
It says the developments will be subject to extensive public consultation to help shape these new and upgraded network infrastructure requirements.
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For the other projects in the north of Scotland included in the ESO’s Beyond 2030 report, SSEN says 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 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.
“The 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.”
The consultation is available to view at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/proposed-regulatory-funding-and-approval-framework-onshore-transitional-centralised-strategic-network-plan-2-projects
Its closing date is given as August 30.
