Ofgem has introduced a new Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework prioritising delivery of strategic onshore transmission projects while protecting consumers.
The framework will allow the transmission owners (TOs) to implement their delivery plans without delay, is flexible and capable of managing future uncertainty, and provides a regulatory platform that can best facilitate the delivery of the Government’s 2030 net zero ambitions, said Ofgem.
The Government’s Energy Security Strategy (ESS) set out a series of steps to accelerate transition away from reliance on fossil fuels with targets to promote energy security, including connection of up to 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
However, the existing onshore transmission network cannot currently support this substantial growth in renewable electricity generation.
In August 2022 the regulator proposed a package of measures aiming to facilitate accelerated delivery of onshore projects by the TOs.
Based on stakeholder feedback Ofgem decided to implement the ASTI regulatory framework and has published a document setting out the initial list of ASTI projects, the decisions on exempting strategic projects from competition, the new process for assessing and funding ASTI projects and the range of measures being introduced to protect consumers against additional risks that changing the process brings.
Scottish Renewables Chief Executive Claire Mack said: “To support our net-zero and energy security ambitions it is vital that industry secures the investment needed to meet our 2030 net-zero targets.
“We welcome today’s publication of the ASTI Framework which is a crucial landmark for the renewable energy industry and support these changes to the current regulatory framework, which will help to accelerate delivery of large projects of which network build is a critical component.”