The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced a review of the Offshore Transmission Network (OFTO) system as part of London’s bid to grow its offshore wind sector.
The government department reporting to Secretary of State Claire Coutinho (pictured) said it is reviewing the system to ensure it remains fit for purpose and ready to help deliver the government’s net zero goals.
A part of the review, DESNZ has issued a Call for Evidence from stakeholders in the OFTO system including wind generators, transmission owners, renewable energy trade associations and industry representatives.
“We are seeking evidence to support policy development on issues with current arrangements for the Offshore Transmission Owner regime and views on its suitability for the future to ensure the continued delivery of offshore wind to meet the UK’s net zero target,” the department stated in the document.
“If, following this Call for Evidence and further policy development, appropriate changes to the OFTO regime are identified and deemed more effective than other potential policy levers, then the government will consult on these, where appropriate.”
The Call for Evidence is available from www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/offshore-transmission-owner-ofto-regime.
DESNZ is also consulting on a proposed exemption from the requirement to hold a transmission licence for array systems connecting an offshore windfarm to an offshore substation.
This would see an order under the Electricity Act 1989 granting a class exemption from the requirement to hold a transmission licence under section 4(1)(b) of the Act to offshore generators operating array systems in Great Britain at 132kV and above connecting to offshore substations.
The consultation is available from: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/transmission-license-exemption-for-array-systems-connecting-to-offshore-substations.