Marine

Renewable Grid Initiative Workshop on Projects of Common Interest – 22nd Oct 2013

December 4, 2013 by Paul Stainer No Comments | Category Marine Directorate Science, Marine Renewables

© Renewables Grid Initiative Workshop

Ian Davies and David Pratt went to the above in Brussels.   The recent EC Regulations covering Projects of Common Interest (PCI) outline the framework for progressing key European energy infra-structure projects with an interest from two or more Member States, ensuring they progress through the planning and licensing processes in a streamlined and efficient manner.

The Commission’s key note speech emphasised the importance of electrical grid development to the functioning of the internal energy market, security of supply and sustainability. A Ten Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) has been developed, and includes links between Scottish west coast islands, and a link to Norway. 5.8bn € will be available between 2014 – 2020 to support PCIs through grants for studies/ financial instruments and, in exceptional cases, for works. Guidance on good regulatory practice will be issued in the next few months.

Why did MS attend?  Because we are about to start a strategic planning initiative for offshore grid, as we have done for wind, wave and tidal energy. And it was also an opportunity to promote the innovative approach to consenting being taken by Scottish Government and Marine Scotland.

If you want to learn more about the Renewable Grid Initiative, go to http://www.renewables-grid.eu

For info on the PCI process, look at http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/pci/pci_en.htIan Davies and David Pratt

Link to Scotland Europa’s Insight Europe Issue VIII 2013 page 14-15.

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/pci/pci_en.htm

Article by Ian Davies & David Pratt

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