Energy / Energy regulator has ‘high degree of confidence’ second HVDC link is needed
BRITISH energy regulator Ofgem says it has a “high degree of confidence” that a second HVDC subsea link between Shetland and the Scottish mainland will be needed.
SSEN has proposed a 1.8GW link primarily aimed at offering an export route for offshore wind projects in the seas around Shetland.
The energy giant has already selected preferred bidders for the work.
The need for a second HVDC link from Shetland to the main GB transmission system was first confirmed by the independent electricity system operator National Grid ESO as part of its latest nationwide strategic network plan Beyond 2030.
Shetland’s first 600MW subsea HVDC link runs between Weisdale Voe and Caithness and will connect the isles to the national grid for the first time at a cost of around £660 million – and allow the Viking Energy wind farm to export power.
Both the 260km cable and 443MW wind farm are scheduled to go live later this year.
Ofgem’s views on a second Shetland link – which would connect to the Coachford (Blackhillock 2) substation in Aberdeenshire – are contained in a consultation on proposals for regulatory approval and funding framework for a number of new UK electricity infrastructure projects.
In addition to offering an export route for offshore wind power, a second link would “add to the resilience of the security of supply to the islands, support the Scottish government’s Hydrogen Action Plan and also add additional capacity for the transmission of power from several current and future onshore wind farms currently in development”, Ofgem said.
Offshore wind farms could also potentially provide energy for future hydrogen production in Shetland, while more onshore wind farms are planned in the outskirts of Lerwick and in Yell.
Ofgem added: “Whilst we recognise that this project is currently at a very early stage of development, we have a high degree of confidence that a second HVDC link to Shetland will be needed.
“We understand that SHET [Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc] requires confirmation of project need and that it will be the delivery body before it is able to commit to long-term agreements with the cable manufacturer.”
SSEN Transmission has welcomed the Ofgem consultation, which it says is the “next step in unlocking the next phase of grid infrastructure investment”.
Its 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.”
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