Ofgem approves SSEN’s 600MW Shetland transmission link proposal

UK gas and electricity markets regulator Ofgem has approved Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) 600MW subsea electricity transmission link proposal.

The transmission link between Shetland and mainland Scotland will be built to transmit renewable energy from wind power farms located in Shetland to Great Britain.

Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley said: “Ofgem’s immediate focus is to support the energy industry so it can respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure consumers, especially the vulnerable, are protected.

“Today’s announcement will help stimulate economic growth as the economy recovers from COVID 19, as well as unlocking Shetland’s potential to supply low-cost renewable electricity for consumers across Great Britain.”

Ofgem has approved SSEN proposal after the company submitted revised proposals for the link.

Last October, Ofgem did not give a go-ahead to SSEN’s original proposal for the link as Viking Energy wind farm project failed to secure a subsidy in the UK Government’s Contract for Difference Auction.

Earlier this year in January, SSEN submitted its revised proposal which included an update about the progress made in the planned windfarms.

However, Ofgem’s approval for the SSEN’s subsea electricity transmission link will depend on receiving enough evidence to back the progress of the 457MW Viking Energy Wind Farm project.

In February this year, Ofgem set out its plan to bring the country’s emissions to net zero.