Ofgem, in collaboration with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), has established a new regulatory regime for offshore transmission networks. The regime will ensure that new offshore renewable generation projects are connected to the GB electricity grid economically and efficiently.
A key part of the regime is the grant of Offshore Transmission Licences on the basis of a competitive Tender Process. Ofgem is responsible for managing this process. For more information please see Ofgem's role in offshore transmission.
West of Duddon Sands Tender Process
The tender process for the last remaining transitional project, running under Tranche B of the Second Tender Round, commenced on 14 December 2012. Links to the Pre-Qualification documents, including Project Information Memoranda, can be found on the Round two transitional tenders page as well as on the Offshore Transmission Electronic Tendering Portal (see link below).
What's new
Recent documents
Tender processes under the new offshore regime:
The Offshore Transmission electronic tendering portal
Please visit the Offshore Transmission Electronic Tendering Portal - link opens in a new browser window where you can register to participate in the tender process. If you have any issues registering on the Portal, please contact Daniel Baker (tendercoordinator@ofgem.gov.uk)
Legal framework for competitive tender process
The Energy Act 2004 inserted section 6C into the Electricity Act 1989 which allows the Authority to make tender regulations, with the approval of the Secretary of State, in order to determine on a competitive basis to whom an offshore transmission licence is to be granted. The Electricity (Competitive Tender for Offshore Transmission Licences) Regulations 2010 (the Tender Regulations) set out the current legal framework and powers for the Authority to run a competitive tender process for both transitional and enduring projects. The Tender Regulations include the process requirements for the Authority, as well as for developers and bidders.
For more information please follow these links to the Energy Act 2004 - link opens in a new browser window, Electricity Act 1989 - link opens in a new browser window and the Tender Regulations - link opens in a new browser window.