UK energy regulator Ofgem is to examine a new coordinated offshore wind connection regime, according to a newly-published decarbonisation action plan.
The existing “radial” approach to transmission links will not be “economical, sensible or acceptable” given the significant increase in capacity planned by 2030, said the study.
“The UK has made great progress in developing offshore wind, but capacity will have to increase enormously to achieve net zero,” stated the decarbonisation plan.
“To facilitate this, Ofgem will work with government and industry to explore regulatory approaches that could enable an expansion of the offshore network at lowest cost. This will include considering a more coordinated approach to offshore networks, and how this could make it easier and cheaper for the electricity generated to reach the shore.”
The regulator will undertake the work with industry, government and the Electricity System Operator starting in the spring.
“We will support and scrutinise the ESO’s work, and identify current barriers to the development of coordinated offshore transmission assets and work to remove them. We will work with government and key stakeholders to design and plan any required changes to the existing regulatory frameworks and the offshore transmission regime.”
Ofgem meanwhile said it is “discussing the potential for projects that integrate international interconnectors with offshore transmission networks with governments, other regulators and industry”.
“We will consider how best to work with developers and network firms in order to identify regulatory barriers for future international meshed or hybrid projects, and work to ensure these projects can be rigorously assessed to maximise consumer benefits,” added the report.
RenewableUK head of policy and regulation Rebecca Williams said: “We welcome Ofgem’s commitment to decarbonisation; the steps set out today are vital to enable the four-fold growth of offshore wind in this decade.
“To get the energy sector on track for net zero, we need to ensure that Ofgem’s decisions support rapid decarbonisation and investment in renewables.
“The next step forward will be for Ofgem to set out how the grid should operate to meet net zero emissions, including the way it charges renewables for access. We look forward to working with Ofgem on this.”
The decarbonisation plan, which sets out nine actions including the offshore wind proposal, aims to set the regulator on a path to supporting the goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
New chief executive Jonathan Brearley the UK has come a long way but “must go further”.
“We are taking an approach that recognises that our role protecting consumers includes achieving net zero.
“As low-carbon renewable energy grows and more transport goes electric, the energy system needs to be more flexible to respond to peaks and troughs in both supply and demand.
“It is now vital that the energy industry rises to the challenge and demonstrates how it will work with the Government and Ofgem to decarbonise Britain’s energy system at lowest cost.”