The UK’s energy regulator the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has approved two pilot projects for interconnectors that will link transmission networks with offshore wind farms in the North Sea.
The projects, called LionLink and Nautilus, have passed the initial project assessment, affirming their potential to serve the needs of British consumers.
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LionLink and Nautilus represent a new category of energy infrastructure known as ‘offshore hybrid assets’.
These interconnectors will not only link national transmission networks but also directly connect to offshore wind farms located in Dutch and Belgian waters.
National Grid, in collaboration with TenneT and Elia, the Dutch and Belgian transmission system operators, respectively, is spearheading the development of these projects.
Upon completion, the LionLink and Nautilus projects are expected to deliver a substantial increase in interconnector capacity, with a combined output of 3.2GW.
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By GlobalDataThis expansion is considered crucial by the UK government, the National Energy System Operator, and the Climate Change Committee for achieving net-zero targets, as well as for providing consumers with affordable and reliable electricity.
National Grid Ventures’ commitment to these projects is subject to a final investment decision (FID), which will depend on securing a favourable economic regulatory framework for the pilots.
National Grid has confirmed that, should the project advance, Nautilus will make landfall at the Isle of Grain in Kent.
National Grid Ventures president Ben Wilson said: “Ofgem’s approval of LionLink and Nautilus’ initial project assessment is welcome news, and an important step towards having the regulatory certainty we need to build these projects.
“It is important that the regulatory arrangements are now finalised and deliver an investible framework. Consumer demand for electricity is set to double in the next 25 years, and if built these interconnectors would provide the invaluable flexibility we need in the system for both now and in 2050.
“Between them, LionLink and Nautilus would have the capacity to power 4.2 million UK homes, supplying clean, secure, renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Earlier this month, Ofgem urged network operators to fast-track the connection of renewable energy and storage projects to the country’s grid.
