UK energy regulator Ofgem has approved SSE Networks’ proposals to build a 220MW interconnector linking Orkney with the Scottish mainland subject to conditions.
Approval for the HVAC link is conditional on a total of at least 135MW of new wind farm projects on Orkney either being awarded a Contract for Difference (CfD) or being judged likely to be developed by December 2021.
In a statement Ofgem said it “would expect to be satisfied that new wind farm projects are likely to be developed despite not being awarded a CfD if an independent audit states that the project is financially viable, has signed a relevant grid connection agreement and has been granted planning permission.”
Developers of Orkney wind include Hoolan Energy, which has bid two remote island wind projects in the current CfD3 auction: the 20.4MW Hesta Head and 16.32MW Costa Head.
Orkney Islands Council is developing a trio of sites totalling around 86MW while local developers have proposed further sites.
The around £260m interconnector is due to be operational in 2023.
Elsewhere, SSE Transmission has awarded Balfour Beatty a £70m contract to build overhead power lines in the west of Scotland that will connect wind farms to the national grid.
The two-year contract will see Balfour Beatty design, construct and engineer 37km of 275kV double circuit lines, which will connect the two Argyll towns of Inveraray and Lochgilphead.
The works forms the first phase of SSEN Transmission’s Inveraray to Crossaig project to reinforce the existing transmission network in the area.