Ofgem approves early investment for superhighway projects

Three major projects linked to proposed electricity superhighways have taken a significant step forward.  

Ofgem has approved updated delivery dates and early investment for the Eastern Green Link 3 and 4 subsea cables which would each provide 2GW of capacity to transport electricity generated from British offshore wind between Scotland and England via a network of onshore and offshore cables.

Another proposed project plans a new onshore 400Kv electricity link between Grimsby and Walpole in Lincolnshire to help transport the energy to consumers

A cost benefit analysis by NESO indicated the redesigned projects are expected to deliver a £3-6 billion benefit to consumers compared to the original network design primarily due to the earlier achievable delivery dates and avoided network constraint costs.

Beatrice Filkin, Ofgem Director of Major Projects, said the decision “puts these projects in a prime position” to compete in the global race for sought after components and work towards seeking planning approval.

“Through intelligent use of early investment and setting realistic but ambitious timescales, we are helping shield consumers from unnecessary costs."