UK energy regulator Ofgem will publish its so-called final needs case decisions for two proposed interconnectors linking Shetland and the Western Isles with the Scottish mainland within weeks.
In a statement, Ofgem said it will issue a decision on both projects in “late autumn” after the results of the ongoing Contracts for Difference auction are published on 19-20 September.
The energy regulator has previously given provisional backing for a 600MW HVDC connection with Shetland and 450MW HVDC link with the Western Isles.
The Shetland interconnector is contingent on SSE Renewables securing a CfD for its up to 457MW Viking remote islands wind project.
The Western Isles link meanwhile requires EDF Renewables and Uisenis Power winning contracts for their respective 180MW Stornoway and 189MW Uisenis projects on Lewis.
In a related development, Ofgem said it will issue its decision on a proposed 220MW HVAC interconnector with Orkney before the CfD results are finalised because the link is “not dependent on generation securing contracts”.