PLANS are in the pipeline for a new subsea energy link between the north-east of Scotland and England which would increase the amount of electricity that can be transferred across the UK.
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL) has teamed up with the National Grid to create plans which would see a new two-gigawatt cable run under the seabed from Boddam to the north of England. This would upgrade the transmission system which carries electricity between the two countries.
The existing transmission system is at full capacity, but the new subsea link would allow more electricity to flow between Scotland and England and more renewable energy to feed into the grid.
Inefficiencies in the current system were highlighted in May when Scottish windfarms were paid hundreds of thousands in compensation after being forced to shut down because it was too windy and the National Grid became overloaded.
Up to 280 windfarms are expected to be built in the North Sea over the next 20 years, but the UK Government says improved connections are needed to ensure the industry’s huge potential can be realised.
Catherine Birkbeck, grid policy manager for Scottish Renewables, said: “It is imperative we improve grid infrastructure to help meet 21st century needs.”
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