Eight Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission projects - Early Construction Funding and licence consultation round 2

Details of outcome

After careful consideration of stakeholder responses, we have decided to maintain our minded to consultation position and therefore approve Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHET) full Early Construction Funding request. The details of the response(s) are detailed within the decision document.

This decision modifies Special Condition 3.41 (Appendix 1) of SHET’s electricity transmission licence in the manner set out in our decision under the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) re-opener.

Read the full outcome

Original consultation

Who should respond

We would like views from people with an interest in new transmission infrastructure, meeting the net zero challenge, and competition in onshore transmission networks. We particularly welcome responses from consumer groups, stakeholders impacted by the project, stakeholders with an interest in the costs of electricity transmission infrastructure, and transmission owners. We would also welcome responses from other stakeholders and the public.

Background

The British Energy Security Strategy set out the Government's ambition to connect up to 50GW of offshore generation to the electricity network by 2030. In December 2022 we introduced a new Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework that will assess, fund and incentivise the accelerated delivery of large strategic transmission projects required to deliver on the Government's ambition.

This consultation seeks input from stakeholders in relation to providing SHET with ECF to fund early construction activities required to accelerate delivery of eight ASTI projects ahead of receiving planning permission.

Why your views matter

We want to hear your views on SHET’s ECF application. We encourage respondents to consider the specific questions outlined within this consultation. Your responses to this consultation will inform our decision.