Energy regulator Ofgem has today (March 19) said it is minded to turn down an application for a 600MW electricity interconnector between the Western Isles and the Scottish mainland in favour of a smaller 450MW connection, while approving a 600MW connection to Shetland.
Responding, Hannah Smith, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said: “Scotland’s remote islands have some of the best renewable energy resource in the world.
“We welcome Ofgem’s minded-to position on the Shetland interconnector – the lack of which has left promising projects effectively locked out of the energy market for want of a network connection.
“The decision to approve a smaller connection to the Western Isles – which is in an almost-identical situation – does, however, raise questions about whether consumers now and in the future will be denied access to the islands’ potential for low-cost renewable generation.
“Renewable energy development is about delivering environmental, social and economic benefits, so the numbers on this decision are important.
“Analysis by SSEN shows the cost differential between a 450MW and 600MW link is less than 5% of the total cost of the project; but would provide a third more capacity for new renewable electricity generation and deliver an additional 30% of socio-economic benefit to the Western Isles.
“We would urge Ofgem to consider the potential for increased future green energy generation – and the benefits that cheap, clean energy will deliver for consumers – when making a final decision on the Western Isles link and urge all stakeholders to make their voices heard in the consultation process which is now underway.”
- Ofgem’s press release on this is available on its website.
- SSEN’s reaction is available on its website.
