Wind Power

(asked on 14th October 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the (a) grid infrastructure upgrades required to facilitate the planned deployment of 40GW of offshore wind by 2030 and (b) effect of Ofgem's interim decision on RIIO 2 on the required upgrades; and will he make a statement.


Answered by
Kwasi Kwarteng Portrait
Kwasi Kwarteng
This question was answered on 19th October 2020

In July, the Government launched the Offshore Transmission Network Review to assess the approach to delivering connections for offshore wind. As part of this review, National Grid ESO is consulting on their cost-benefit analysis of a more coordinated approach to offshore transmission and an initial assessment of technical considerations for a more integrated offshore network. The Review will consider these consultations and we will publish an update in due course.

The next price control for onshore electricity transmission networks, RIIO 2, is a matter for Ofgem the independent regulator. Ofgem’s Draft Determinations were announced in July and have been open to consultation with stakeholders. The Final Determinations expected at the end of this year will set out Ofgem’s views on the upgrades proposed for the transmission network and whether, when and how these investments should be funded.

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