Two people climbing an electrical transmission tower, wearing personal protection equipment. Behind the tower is a rugged landscape in Britain.
Ofgem has published its consultation on the Electricity System Operator (ESO)'s Beyond 2030 report. The consultation contains its proposals and funding framework for the projects. This is a significant next step in unlocking investment in the UK's grid infrastructure.
Major transmission network investments are essential to reach net zero. The Beyond 2030 plan outlines projects that will enable the connection of low-carbon technologies. This includes connecting with all the ScotWind offshore wind projects. The projects must be delivered by 2035 to meet the UK government's sixth Carbon Budget.
Investing in the north of Scotland
In the north of Scotland, the potential estimated investment for SSEN Transmission is over £5bn. SSEN Transmission will deliver the Shetland Hub, DSUP and PKUP projects (detailed in the table below). A further announcement will be made in the coming weeks about the remaining BKUP project. The publication of the consultation enables the ongoing development of critical network investments.
"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.
Rob McDonald Managing Director, SSEN Transmission
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."
Delivering the ESO's Beyond 2030
SSEN Transmission will help deliver the following projects from the ESO’s Beyond 2030 report:
ESO code | Description |
Shetland Hub | A second High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea link from Shetland, connecting to Coachford (Blackhillock 2) substation |
DSUP | A new 400kV double circuit between Dounreay, Thurso and Banniskirk (Spittal 2), with new 400kV substations at Dounreay and Thurso |
BKUP | Rebuild the existing Blackhillock-Kintore 275kV double circuit to 400kV with a new 400kV substation required along its route |
PKUP | Increase the capacity of the planned Peterhead to Longside (Peterhead 2) 400kV double circuit with a higher capacity 400kV double circuit; upgrade the existing Peterhead-Persley-Kintore 275kV double circuit to 400kV including a new substation along its route; and install a higher capacity conductor on sections of the existing Kintore-Alyth-Kincardine 400kV double circuit |
Ofgem’s consultation is open until 30 August. It is available on their website: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/proposed-regulatory-funding-and-approval-framework-onshore-transitional-centralised-strategic-network-plan-2-projects