Two people climbing an electrical transmission tower, wearing personal protection equipment. Behind the tower is a rugged landscape in Britain.
Ofgem has published its consultation on the Electricity System Operator (ESO)'s Beyond 2030 report. The consultation contains its proposals and funding framework for the projects. This is a significant next step in unlocking investment in the UK's grid infrastructure.
Major transmission network investments are essential to reach net zero. The Beyond 2030 plan outlines projects that will enable the connection of low-carbon technologies. This includes connecting with all the ScotWind offshore wind projects. The projects must be delivered by 2035 to meet the UK government's sixth Carbon Budget.
Investing in the north of Scotland
In the north of Scotland, the potential estimated investment for SSEN Transmission is over £5bn. SSEN Transmission will deliver the Shetland Hub, DSUP and PKUP projects (detailed in the table below). A further announcement will be made in the coming weeks about the remaining BKUP project. The publication of the consultation enables the ongoing development of critical network investments.
"We welcome the launch of Ofgem’s consultation on the proposed ‘Beyond 2030’ grid enhancements which is the next step in determining how these essential projects can be taken forwards.
Today’s consultation launch reaffirms the need for these projects and underlines the importance of investment in the electricity transmission network to reach national energy targets, while also offering further clarity on our post-2030 growth plans.
We hope this consultation will allow for an accelerated approach to regulatory financial frameworks so we can deliver on the new government’s ambitious energy emission targets too.
We now look forward to a timely decision from Ofgem and will continue to work constructively with the regulator and wider stakeholders to unlock the investment required for these vital projects to help us reach net zero."
Rob McDonald, Managing Director, SSEN Transmission
