Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 January 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 February 2023. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 February 2023 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Wind Power: East of England

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government why, in contrast to other regions, the Holistic Network Design impact criteria are not being used to assess the suitability of sites for offshore wind power infrastructure in East Anglia.

Answer: The Holistic Network Design (HND) was published in July 2022. For offshore wind projects that do not yet have firm connection contracts, the HND recommends network solutions that deliver coordination, cost and efficiency benefits and an overall reduction in new infrastructure. However it cannot mandate changes to projects with pre-existing connection contracts, including many in East Anglia. For these, the Government has launched the £100m capital grant scheme to support the development of voluntary coordination options.

Secondary information