Ofgem’s offshore development strategy must not sacrifice long term effectiveness to meet 2030 targets.
SuperNode responded to Ofgem’s consultation presenting future connection options for transmission assets. These options will contribute to meeting the UK’s 2030 target of 40 GW of offshore wind.
Marcos Byrne, Market and Policy Analyst at SuperNode stated:
“It is encouraging to see Ofgem looking to evolve their thinking on transmission infrastructure. The UK has major plans for the offshore arena, and current connection schemes will not be capable of efficiently connecting the required levels of offshore wind. The strategy, however, must not overlook the overarching goals out to 2050.”
SuperNode commended the promotion of innovation provided by the current opt-in approach which allows developers to introduce new concepts. Innovation is crucial to effective long term grid infrastructure.
SuperNode noted, however, that combinations of proposed concepts should be considered to maximise effectiveness. In particular, the combination of an offshore bootstrap with a shared transmission scheme would facilitate multiple offshore generators to connect to a single point of connection, offering two routes to market and relieving congestion.
SuperNode also further emphasised the importance of future proofing grid infrastructure. SuperNode pointed to examples around Europe where TenneT Netherlands are designing 2 GW shared transmission schemes which will be multi-terminal ready, in anticipation of grid evolution.
SuperNode’s full submission can be viewed here.