SHE Transmission, the electricity transmission subsidiary of SSE plc, has welcomed Ofgem’s decision to approve the need for the new transmission link between Caithness and Moray. The new link, which will feature over 100 miles of under ground and subsea cable, is needed to transmit a large volume of electricity from renewable sources in the north of Scotland.
Scottish Hydro Electricity Transmission (SHE Transmission)’s significant upgrade of the electricity network is a £1.2 billion project. It is expected to connect 1.2GW of new renewable electricity generation following completion in 2018. This will help meet Britain’s renewable target at a lower cost to consumers.
The new subsea link will connect the electricity grid on either side of the Moray Firth. SHE Transmission has already submitted more details on the project, and Ofgem is currently analysing them to check that the spending, technical and delivery plans for the upgrade are appropriate and offer value for money for consumers. If Ofgem finds that the project could be delivered for less, then it will lower the amount of funding allowed to complete it.
Construction work should begin in the next few months and is expected to be completed in 2018. The project will support over 600 jobs during construction and is part of a transformational programme of investment in electricity transmission infrastructure to support the transition to lower carbon electricity generation, increasing security of supply and promoting economic growth.
Mark Mathieson, Managing Director, Networks , said: “As a responsible developer, we have worked with communities and other stakeholders to make sure that we have the best solution for connecting renewable energy to the transmission system. Ofgem has undertaken detailed and extensive consultations on this project in order to ensure the right project is delivered at the right time to minimise electricity grid constraints without incurring unnecessary costs for electricity consumers.
“I am very pleased that it has been given the green light and we will now work with Ofgem on the remaining details and focus on ensuring that the new link is constructed in a safe and responsible way so that the benefits it will bring in unlocking renewable sources of energy for decades to come are realised.”
Press Release, July 11, 2014