Proposed transmission license exemption for Spiorad na Mara wind farm array systems: summary of responses and outcome
Updated 26 March 2025
Applies to Scotland
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electricity-transmission-license-exemption-spiorad-na-mara-wind-farm-array-systems/proposed-transmission-license-exemption-for-spiorad-na-mara-wind-farm-array-systems-summary-of-responses-and-outcome
Summary of responses
In line with our statutory obligations, we consulted Scottish Ministers and Consumer Scotland, and received a response from the Scottish Government. The Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy:
- expressed no objection to the proposal to grant a lifetime exemption from the requirement to hold a transmission licence
- welcomed the role of offshore wind in the drive for decarbonisation and achieving net zero targets
- clarified that this does not prejudice the independent consideration that will be given by Scottish Ministers to any future consent and licence applications submitted by Northland Power and ESB, the developers of the Spiorad na Mara offshore wind farm
We received no responses to this consultation from members of the public, or other interested organisations. The consultation was viewed more than 40 times.
Outcome
The Secretary of State has delegated decisions on transmission licence exemptions to Minister Shanks, Minister for Energy. After careful consideration of the exemption application, the principal objective and general duties under section 3A of the Electricity Act 1989, and the response from the Scottish Government discussed above, Minister Shanks is minded to grant the exemption under the proposed conditions.
Minister Shanks has determined that the granting of a lifetime exemption from the requirement to hold a transmission licence is a reasonable application of offshore wind transmission policy in the UK, aligned with the development of the sector as exemplified by the precedent of the Electricity (Class Exemptions from the Requirement for a Licence) (Amendment) Order 2024, which granted lifetime exemption from the requirement to hold a transmission licence to generators using 132kV+ cables to increase the efficiency of electricity transmission offshore.
The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Scotland) (Spiorad na Mara) Order 2025 is available on legislation.gov.uk, along with the Explanatory Memorandum.