Ofgem approves funding for transmission projects in Scotland

The British Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has approved funding for several transmission infrastructure projects in Scotland, enabling SSEN Transmission to begin pre-construction activities such as community consultations and supply chain engagement.

These projects align with the Centralised Strategic Networks Plan, Beyond 2030, published in March 2024, which calls for £58 billion in investment to enhance both offshore and onshore networks. 

The upgrades aim to integrate an additional 21 GW of offshore wind energy and other low-carbon generation sources across the UK.

The approved projects, set for completion in the early 2030s, include the Shetland Hub, NNNC, DSUP, BKUP, and PKUP. Key highlights include a second high-voltage direct current subsea link from Shetland to the Coachford substation, the establishment of new 400 kV circuits between various substations, and capacity upgrades to existing circuits.

The projects will require regulatory frameworks, planning approvals, and extensive public consultations to move forward.