Sub-sea energy cable stalled 18/12/13
Major renewable energy schemes in the Western Isles have been stalled again after
yet another delay to building a sub-sea cable across the Minch.
The interconnector which is vital to export renewable electricity from the Hebrides
to southern cities will not be laid until 2019 says grid company SSE.
Planned wind farms at North Tolsta, at Stornoway and at South Lochs on Lewis remain
in limbo until then. Also affected is a 40MW wave energy farm off Borve on Lewis
.
There is no chance of SSE meeting their promised connection dates.
SSE is now wants renewable developers on the Western Isles to give a formal confirmation
that they will build their projects.
Developers are expected to fork out huge upfront payment towards their share of the
grid link.
A substantive signal of support from developers will help beef up the business case
for energy regulator Ofgem to approve the go-ahead for the estimated £750 million
cable.
The next month will be crucial as developers outline whether they will proceed or
abandon their plans.
David Gardner, SSE’s Director of Transmission said: “We have been working on the
case for a link to the Western Isles for around 10 years.
“A significant amount of work has been undertaken by UK and Scottish Governments,
the regulator and others to address the concerns raised since the developers withdrew
in 2010 and the confirmation of the strike price has provided further clarity.
“In order for us to make progress through the regulatory approval process, which
is designed to safeguard the interests of customers, we are seeking written confirmation
from developers that their projects are viable.
“While the supply chain remains engaged, a new timetable, with an estimated completion
date of 2019 has been provided.
“This factors in regulatory approval, which is estimated to take at least 15 months,
and the manufacture of a cable, estimated to take around 18 months.”