As part of the Offshore transmission network review, Beis and Ofgem has issued a joint response following its open letter in August to developers of offshore wind generation, electricity transmission licensees, and interested parties is calling for views.
In July 2020, the Review was launched to support the Government’s ambition of delivering net- zero emissions by 2050, in which offshore wind is expected to play a key role. The current approach to offshore transmission was developed when the offshore wind target was 10GW by 2030. The increased target of 40GW by 2030, as set out in Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, is likely to require an alternative approach to offshore transmission. The aim of the Review is to ensure that the transmission connections for offshore wind generation are delivered in the most appropriate way, considering the increased ambition for offshore wind to achieve net zero. This will be done with a view to finding the appropriate balance between environmental, social and economic costs, while enabling the delivery of 40GW by 2030.
In August 2020, Beis and Ofgem invited stakeholders to share their views on the Review, identify perceived barriers to coordination and propose pathfinder projects. A letter of reply summarises the responses to the August 2020 publication and outlines the proposed next steps.
Following on from this, Beis and Ofgem intends to set out future engagement opportunities. An Expert Advisory Group will provide input into the Review, this includes representatives from industry, independent experts, academia and consumer and environmental groups. However, the opportunity to offer input remains open for all stakeholders throughout the Review, contact: Offshore.Coordination@ofgem.gov.uk and Offshore.Coordination@beis.gov.uk.
