Over 90% of stakeholders support reform of the current transmission charging regime to support the UK’s legally binding net zero emissions target, according to a survey by SSEN Transmission.
The company said the existing regime currently results in Scottish generators paying a higher cost for use of the transmission network compared to other areas in the UK.
For example, while a wind farm in the north of Scotland pays £5.50 per unit of energy, an equivalent wind farm in Wales will get paid £2.80 per unit, it said.
SSEN Transmission said that following the publication of a Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges discussion paper earlier this year, it has published a follow up summary report this week which analyses and outlines the feedback received from stakeholders on the paper’s findings.
It said 93% of all stakeholders agreed that some form of TNUoS reform is required, while 84% told SSEN that TNUoS acts as a barrier to the delivery of their renewable projects in Scotland.
SSEN Transmission head of whole system Andrew Urquhart (pictured) said: “Our generation customers and wider stakeholders have been consistently telling us that charges for transmission access in the north of Scotland, as well as uncertainty about future charges, are acting as a barrier to the commercial viability of renewable energy projects.
“This, in turn, is making it difficult for us to determine system investment needs for our transmission network.
“It is clear from our analysis and engagement to date that there is overwhelming support for TNUoS reform and that urgent action is required to address current barriers in the context of the climate emergency.
“Given the level of concern raised by our stakeholders, we hope the feedback outlined in our report will help to encourage action on the need for an urgent review of the current regime to support the UK’s ambitious net zero targets and green recovery goals.”