Cross-border infrastructure is key to a successful renewable energy transition.
SuperNode has submitted its response to a consultation held by Ofgem titled: ‘Consultation on ESO Roles Guidance 2023-25’. The response sought to revise the Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) performance expectations laid out in the document. SuperNode recommends a stronger stance on the promotion of cross-border infrastructure in Market Design, Scenario Building, and more active promotion of innovation in Network Investment.
Cross-border infrastructure and collaboration between European neighbours are essential for optimising a renewable energy system. CEO John Fitzgerald stated:
“Cross-border infrastructure is crucial for creating a sustainable and interconnected energy system. We must all work together with our European neighbours to develop and implement these infrastructure solutions for the benefit of all. Without this the Paris Agreement goals will be out of reach and we will continue our dependence on imported fossil fuels.”
In its response, SuperNode highlighted the importance of developing cross-border markets, noting that the benefits gained from interconnection and cross-border infrastructure are clear and established. These benefits will only increase as more renewables are incorporated into the system. The response proposed that real progress in developing cross-border infrastructure should be the expectation, and that the UK should utilise its recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) to work together with its neighbours towards developing and optimising the necessary offshore electricity network in the North Sea basin, needed for bringing affordable renewable power to European consumers.
SuperNode also emphasised the importance of long-term planning and coordinated scenario development, with a greater emphasis on collaboration with European neighbours.
Finally, SuperNode proposed the ESO take a more active role in the promotion of novel and innovative technologies, that may not yet be competitive or commercially available but that can have a significant impact on ESO and wider government objectives in the medium and long term. This can be achieved by directly creating opportunities for development and demonstration through sandboxes or demonstration projects.
SuperNode will continue to advocate for these guiding principles in our interactions with Ofgem and other industry stakeholders.
You can find the Ofgem’s Consultation document here.
You can find SuperNode’s full response here.