Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Paragraph: 67
We recognise the benefits of a grid planned strategically for the whole of Great Britain.
Conclusion
We recognise the benefits of a grid planned strategically for the whole of Great Britain. However, the UK’s decarbonisation efforts should also be planned strategically and there are distinct opportunities that arise from ensuring floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea connects into Wales. This is the case particularly given the heavy industry in the region and the potential opportunity to decarbonise this industry using green hydrogen produced from green energy.
Government Response Summary
The government states it is already addressing grid capacity constraints and strategically planning network infrastructure through the Holistic Network Design (HND) and upcoming Future Framework Government Consultation Response, including consideration of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
Paragraph Reference:
67
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The independent report of the Offshore Wind Industry Champion noted the constraints on offshore wind from grid, and we refer to the Government’s response to the Committee’s previous enquiry on grid capacity in Wales for more specific details. The Government’s recently published Powering Up Britain publications reaffirm its commitment to accelerate delivery of electricity network infrastructure across Great Britain, as a critical enabler for energy security and net zero. The Government will continue to address recommendations to improve anticipatory investment and strategic planning of the networks through the work outlined in the Holistic Network Design (HND) and upcoming Future Framework Government Consultation Response. The HND is the first step in establishing a more strategic approach to network design. The HND, and the Centralised Strategic Network Plans which will follow it, recognise the important role that strategic investment has in ensuring network readiness for net zero, including in Wales. The HND offers a recommended design to enable the connection of 18 new offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 23GW. This represents a considerable investment and is expected to cover 7000km of cable and 94 grid reinforcement projects. The total investment is expected to be £54 billion. This will be complemented by the Holistic Network Design Follow Up Exercise, which will provide recommendations for the connection of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. The Government Response to the consultation on the Future Framework publication will also set out recommendations for developing a more upfront strategic approach to the deployment of offshore wind, including increasing alignment between seabed leasing and grid capacity.