Ofgem has given the green light to five significant undersea power cables, marking a step forward in the UK’s energy strategy.
- The regulatory approval includes both interconnectors and offshore hybrid assets, supporting both energy import and export.
- Three new interconnectors will link the UK to Germany, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland, boosting energy exchange.
- Two pioneering offshore hybrid assets will link British and European grids to offshore wind energy.
- These projects, set for completion by 2032, signify an important move towards renewable energy and energy security.
Ofgem’s recent approval of five subsea power cables is a strategic manoeuvre in the United Kingdom’s energy policy. Aimed at enhancing both the import and export capabilities of electricity, this development underlines the country’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.
Among the newly sanctioned projects, three interconnectors play a central role. The Tarchon Energy Interconnector will stretch 610km from East Anglia to Niederlangen, Germany, offering a 1.4GW capacity. Mares Connect, spanning 190km, will link North Wales to the Republic of Ireland, with a capacity of 0.75GW. LirIC will connect Northern Ireland to Scotland over 142km, providing an additional 0.7GW capacity. These interconnections are designed to augment the energy flow across borders, thus fostering regional collaboration in energy usage.
In an innovative leap, the introduction of offshore hybrid assets (OHAs) represents a forward-thinking approach to energy integration. LionLink, one of the OHAs, will connect Dutch offshore windfarms to the British grid, landing in Suffolk and delivering up to 1.8GW of power. Similarly, Nautilus will link Belgian windfarms, making landfall at the Isle of Grain in Kent, supplying 1.4GW of power. These OHAs not only facilitate the distribution of offshore wind energy but also bolster cross-border energy ties.
Scheduled for completion by 2032, these initiatives are projected to shift the UK’s energy landscape significantly. Ofgem estimates that, from 2030 to 2055, these projects might add £2 to £5 to annual electricity bills per household, totalling costs up to £3.6 billion. However, this is seen as a necessary investment for long-term energy assurance.
The advent of these cables is pivotal not only for export but also for import, enhancing the UK’s capability to harness and distribute surplus clean power. Akshay Kaul from Ofgem highlighted the careful evaluation of these projects, accentuating their potential to deliver in terms of consumer value, feasibility, and energy security. Kaul stated that these connections will play a crucial role as the UK moves towards relying more on wind and solar power, reducing dependency on inconsistent foreign gas supplies.
These undersea projects position the UK as a future leader in renewable energy export and bolster domestic energy security.
