Energy / SIC leader welcomes Ofgem support for subsea cable
THE LEADER of Shetland Islands Council (SIC) has welcomed news that energy regulator Ofgem has given initial approval to a new 600MW transmission link between the isles and Caithness.
The subsea cable would enable large scale wind farms like the proposed Viking Energy project to export electricity south.
Ofgem has opened up a consultation on the plans and SIC leader Steven Coutts said the council will be having its say.
“I am pleased to see the decision making process on the required link progressing,” he said.
“I also welcome the provisional view taken by OFGEM.
“As a council we will clearly be looking at the consultation and responding appropriately.”
The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) transmission link – estimated to cost £709 million – is subject to the proposed 103-turbine Viking Energy wind farm winning government subsidies in this year’s contract for difference auction.
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