Transmission Access Review (TAR)

In the 2007 Energy white paper: meeting the energy challenge the Government announced a review, led jointly by BERR and Ofgem, of the framework for connecting renewable generation to the grid.

The review has over the last year examined the technical, commercial and regulatory framework for the delivery of new transmission infrastructure and the management of the grid to ensure that they remain fit for purpose as the proportion of renewable generation on the system grows.

The final report of the Transmission Access Review (TAR) was published on 26 June together with the Governments’ Renewable Energy Strategy Consultation

The measures set out in the TAR Final Report, when taken together will remove, or significantly reducing, grid-related access barriers. The report includes actions that will:

  • Allow faster connection of some renewable generation to the Grid in the short-term;
  • introduce new, enduring grid access arrangements that will allow faster connection and expansion of Grid capacity and
  • identify the new transmission infrastructure necessary to meet the UK share of the 2020 EU renewable energy targets and new financial incentives on the transmission companies to deliver that infrastructure.

TAR Communication Event 31 July

On 31 July 2008, BERR and Ofgem held a stakeholder communication event to present the main findings and conclusions of the review, provide an update on the work that has been taking place in industry, and set out the way forward. The slides from the presentation and notes from the question an answer session are below.

Offshore Electricity Networks

It is envisaged that the development of offshore wind generation will be a major contributor to meeting the 2020 renewable generation target. However at present there is very little electricity network infrastructure installed offshore. BERR is therefore working jointly with Ofgem to develop a new regulatory regime for offshore electricity transmission so that significant amounts of renewable offshore generation can be connected to the onshore grid.

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