Britain eyes undersea power cable for green energy
Date: 13-Nov-01
Country: UK
"The UK has huge untapped renewable (energy) sources, but much of this cannot be fully utilised at present because of weak or non-existent electricity infrastructure in some places," said energy minister Brian Wilson in a statement.
"The Western Seaboard, from the Hebrides down to the West country could contribute far more of the country's energy needs if this infrastructure deficiency can be overcome," said Wilson.
The government wants to supply 10 percent of Britain's electricity from renewable sources by 2010, compared with just under three percent now, as it bids to curb emissions of greenhouse gases.
Offshore windfarms are expected to play a crucial role in the expansion of renewable energy use.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it was funding a feasibility study by consultants PB Power of the offshore interconnector cable project
The study, which will look at costs and geographic location, is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
If the study confirmed the economic and technical viability of an offshore interconnector, a second study would be launched to look in more detail at cable routings and points of connection, said the DTI.
The move to tap green energy sources more effectively comes as the government works on a reivew of energy policy for the next 50 years.
The review, assessing the future role of all energy sources, is expected to be published in December or January.
