National Grid ESO publishes blueprint for offshore grid infrastructure

National Grid ESO, the systems operator for Great Britain, has published its ‘Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design’ which sets out the blueprint for the grid infrastructure that will be required to meet the government target of 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.

The Holistic Network Design is seen as the first step towards a more centralised and strategic plan for offshore power and our electricity transmission network infrastructure, which is often described as the motorways of the energy system.

It will ultimately support the delivery of electricity that is generated from offshore wind farms to where it’s needed across Great Britain.

The plans include the development of four subsea high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) links that will connecting the east coasts of Scotland and England, creating a subsea superhighway of electricity transmission.

It also confirms the need for several other major onshore and offshore reinforcements that will be key to delivering on the government targets.

National Grid ESO says the Pathway to 2030 plans will:

• Deliver £54bn investment in Great Britain’s network infrastructure
• Create up to 168,000 jobs by 2030, according to independent research

Fintan Slye, Executive Director, ESO, said:

“The ESO is at the heart of strategic planning of the future energy system and is actively contributing to Britain’s energy security and a net zero future. The publication of the Holistic Network Design is a key step in providing certainty to offshore wind developers and mitigating potential impacts on the environment and local communities from energy infrastructure.

“It will also ensure the process provides value for money for consumers while meeting the Government’s ambition for up to 50GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

More information on Pathway to 2030.