Offshore Development Information Statement

The aim of the Offshore Development Information Statement is to help facilitate the development, in offshore waters, of an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.

When reading the Statement, it is important to consider that all future scenarios contained within and the corresponding electricity transmission system connection works shown, have been developed purely for analytical purposes. These are, therefore, included for illustrative purposes only. They should not be considered as implying actual connection dates or future connection routes for new infrastructure and are not intended to reflect the Transmission Owners (TOs) investment decisions regarding the development of their transmission area. The actual development of the offshore and onshore transmission systems can and may differ from that illustrated in the Statement. The detailed evaluation and design of offshore infrastructure, including any environmental impact assessment, remains the responsibility of the Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) or developer (dependent on the approach applicable to the individual project). 

2011 Offshore Development Information Statement is the third to be published by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET) acting in its role as National Electricity Transmission System Operator (NETSO).

The Statement will be published by 30th September of each calendar year. NGET will, on an annual basis and in consultation with the industry, review the most recent edition of the Statement.  

Should you have any questions on the Offshore Development Information Statement, please not hesitate to contact us: transmission.odis@uk.ngrid.com.

Background

The UK has agreed to ambitious targets for the development of renewable energy over the next decade. By 2020, the Government expects that 15% of the UK's energy needs will be met from renewable sources. This means that around 30% of UK's electricity may come from renewables.

Offshore power generation will play an important part in the meeting of the renewable and carbon emission targets and improving energy security by 2020 and afterwards towards 2050.

The UK has the potential to generate renewable electricity energy by utilising the vast natural resources readily and freely available in the waters surrounding the country. This 'green energy' can be captured by offshore wind farms and marine technology (wave and tidal) located in the UK's offshore waters. To use this resource, areas have been identified for lease by The Crown Estate and Scottish Government, and released in various licensing rounds.

A regulatory regime has been introduced for offshore electricity transmission. Offshore transmission that operates at 132kV or above will a licenced activity, regulated by Ofgem and assigned through a competitive tender process. 

Links to further information