Energy watchdog Ofgem has provisionally endorsed the first-ever ‘hybrid interconnector’ linking North Sea wind farms to Europe's power systems.
Two high-voltage cable links to Europe could help power millions of homes by harnessing the power of the North Sea’s offshore wind resources, according to Ofgem.
Ofgem is considering regulatory support for LionLink and Tarchon Energy to bring the plans to fruition.
Great Britain currently has 11.7GW of interconnection capacity already operational or under construction today and LionLink and Tarchon could add a further 3.2GW of capacity, reckons Ofgem.
Rebecca Barnett, Ofgem’s director of major projects, commented: "Interconnectors can make energy supply cleaner, cheaper and more secure. It's a win-win and helps further harness the vast potential of the North Sea.
“We can sell our excess clean power to Europe, when we generate more than we need, or access power to meet electricity demand in Britain, during times when energy supply here is more limited.
"We've assessed all the proposed projects on their individual merits against our published criteria and recommended regulatory support for the ones which we believe will deliver for consumers in terms of energy security and the economy."
Ofgem is also consulting on its current view not to approve another proposed OHA (offshore hybrid asset) asset, and a further six proposed interconnectors, which have not thus far sufficiently convinced Ofgem that they meet the requirements for approval.
Ms Barnett added: "We have a robust, detailed and transparent process for approving interconnectors and OHAs. However, we've not made any final decisions. Those projects not currently recommended for regulatory support can make their case in this consultation, their submissions will be considered along with any other feedback given."
Consultations on the project are due to close on Tuesday, 30 April.