The use of Multi-Purpose Interconnectors to meet net zero by 2050

The Great Britain (GB) Electricity system has seen a significant increase in Offshore Wind and cross border interconnection, with over 10 GW of offshore wind and 5 GW of interconnection with Continental Europe operational as at July 2021. To meet a net zero ambition by 2050 it is suggested that an installed Offshore Wind capacity of 40 GW by 2030 and 75 GW by 2050 would need to be connected to the GB Electricity System. In addition, the Electricity System Operator indicates more than 20 GW of Interconnection would also be required. However, Wind Farms and Interconnectors are currently connected as single purpose projects to the Onshore Transmission system and continuing this arrangement will bring major permitting challenges and disruption to coastal communities. This paper proposes the use of Multi-Purpose Interconnectors to address the challenges.