Transmission license exemption for array systems connecting to offshore substations
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Detail of outcome
The transmission licence exemption for array systems statutory instrument was laid on 18 July 2024 and came into force on 16 August:
Detail of feedback received
This consultation on providing a transmission licence exemption for offshore windfarm array systems received 23 responses, consisting of:
- 16 offshore wind developers
- 2 energy trade associations
- 1 solar developer
- 1 fund manager company
- 1 not for dividend company
- 1 offshore transmission owner
- 1 system operator
All respondents agreed that a transmission licence class exemption for high-voltage array systems connecting an offshore windfarm to an offshore substation was required. Most respondents also appreciated the regulatory clarity the exemption would provide.
Half the respondents stated the exemption would be financially beneficial as it would allow more cost-effective array systems to be installed. Six respondents supported the cost figures provided in the consultation, while 4 stated they were unable to support or oppose the cost figures citing a lack of alternative evidence.
The potential reduction in consumer bills was stated by 5 respondents as a positive benefit of the proposed exemption and a further 5 respondents affirmed that the proposed exemption would enable windfarms to benefit from a more efficient design layout.
Nine respondents stated the proposed exemption should be widened to include array systems connecting directly to the grid and 3 respondents requested the exemption include innovative offshore windfarms. The government will consider these options but at this time, the transmission licence class exemption will not be broadened to include array systems connecting directly to the grid or innovative offshore windfarms.
One respondent also suggested changing the wording of the draft Order to use the term “offshore substation or converter station”, rather than “offshore converter station” to provide clarity on the function of a substation. This suggestion has been accepted and incorporated into the Statutory Instrument wording.
Another respondent noted a widespread uptake of 132kV cables may result in a shortage of technicians and engineers with potential knock-on delays to windfarm development. This has been taken into consideration by the government.
Original consultation
Consultation description
Update: 6 February 2024
We have reopened this consultation for an additional 28 days because the Draft Statutory Instrument Order was omitted when first published. If you responded to the original consultation, you don’t need to re-submit your response unless you want to comment on the Draft Statutory Instrument Order.
This consultation seeks views on a proposed exemption from the requirement to hold a transmission licence for array systems connecting an offshore windfarm to an offshore substation.
We welcome all views, however we are specifically seeking views from:
- offshore wind generators
- offshore transmission owners
- renewable energy trade associations
- offshore wind industry representatives
Read our consultation privacy notice.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 13 November 2023Last updated 29 August 2024 + show all updates
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Summary of responses and link to resulting statutory instrument published.
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We have reopened this consultation for an additional 28 days because the Draft Statutory Instrument Order was omitted when first published. If you responded to the original consultation, you don't need to re-submit your response unless you want to comment on the Draft Statutory Instrument Order.
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We have published the consultation impact assessment.
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We have extended the deadline for responses to 9 January 2024.
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First published.