Britain to boost clean power exports with new subsea cables

Britain to boost clean power exports with new subsea cables
Credit: Ben Birchall/PA

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A decision has been made to lay five subsea power cables capable of powering millions of homes 

According to the Guardian, the energy regulator, Ofgem has agreed to three subsea cable projects connecting Great Britain to power grids in Germany, Ireland and Northern Ireland to support sharing renewable electricity across borders. Ofgem has also arranged plans for new cables to link Britain to offshore windfarms in Dutch and Belgian waters.

How will subsea cables enhance Britain’s energy security?

The high-voltage power cables, known as interconnectors, are regarded as a crucial part of the Labour government’s goal to create a clean power strategy by 2030 and become a net exporter of green electricity in the decades forward. Presently, Great Britain has interconnectors with a combined accommodation of 11.7 gigawatts already operating or under construction, or enough to fulfil the power needs of more than 11m UK homes. The new tasks will take this total to 12GW in 2030 as the projects start to operate, before reaching 18GW by 2032.

The latest power cable projects will move ahead a week after the National Energy System Operator expressed Britain could become a net exporter of green electricity by the end of the decade at no extra charge to the energy system if ministers take compulsory steps to tackle the UK’s lagging regulation and planning processes.

How do subsea cables support the UK’s clean power goals?

Akshay Kaul, the Ofgem infrastructure director, stated the project, which will be paid for via energy bills, was carefully evaluated so that only those which will “deliver for consumers in terms of importance, viability and energy security” were supported. “As we move to a clean power system more reliant on intermittent wind and solar energy, these new connections will help harness the extensive potential of the North Sea and play a critical role in making our energy supply cheaper and less reliant on volatile foreign gas markets and associated price spikes,” Kaul expressed.

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.