Consultations open on funding for 3.2GW UK–EU interconnectors
Consultations open on funding for 3.2GW UK-EU interconnectors | Windpower Monthly
The UK–Netherlands LionLink would be a first of its kind electricity interconnector, according to Ofgem. It would be a joint project between the UK’s National Grid Ventures and German-Dutch network operator Tennet.
As well as linking the British and Dutch power grids, Lion Link would also connect Britain’s grid directly to Dutch wind farms in the North Sea. This so-called Offshore Hybrid Asset (OHA) could provide 1.8GW of electricity capacity.
The 610-kilometre UK-Germany Tarchon Energy interconnector, proposed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, would provide a direct power link between Germany and Great Britain with a capacity of 1.4GW. It will link Essex, in the southeast of England, to a landing site in Lower Saxony, northwest Germany.
Ofgem is also consulting on its decision to reject another proposed OHA – the 1.4GW Nautilus connection to an offshore converter station on the Modular Offshore Grid 2 (MOG2) Belgian energy island.
The regulator gave the thumbs down to a further six proposed interconnectors, linking the UK to Denmark (1.4GW), France (2GW), Belgium (1.4GW), Northern Ireland (0.75GW) and the Netherlands (1.2GW). It said they had failed to demonstrate the requirements for approval.
“We’ve assessed all the proposed projects on their individual merits against our published criteria and recommended regulatory support for the ones which we believe will deliver for consumers in terms of energy security and the economy,” said Rebecca Barnett, Ofgem director of major projects.
The consultations will close on 30 April 2024. Ofgem will look to finalise its decisions on funding for the projects in summer 2024.
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