A lobby group of engineering firms has been formed to “drive policy” toward the building of a so-called “supergrid”, a pan-European electricity transmission network with the potential to enable renewable energy to more freely around the continent and even out supply and demand.
The Friends of the Supergrid group (FOSG), which features ten energy industry players including Areva, Siemens and Parsons Brinckerhoff, was launched today in London. The concept of a supergrid is a decade old. It is defined as “an electricity transmission system based on direct current designed to facilitate large-scale sustainable power generation in remote areas for transmission to centres of consumption”. It is thought such a grid could enhance the European electricity market.
The FOSG said it was the only representative body that combines companies in sectors that will deliver the high voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure and related technology, together with companies that will develop, install, own and operate that infrastructure.
It brings together organisations that could design the physical equipment with those who will build structures at sea, the FOSG said. The chief executive of group member Mainstream Renewable Power, Dr Eddie O’Connor, said: “The UK government has recently shown its commitment to large-scale offshore wind by announcing the development of up to 50GW by 2020.
“We now need to integrate this huge resource into Europe to enable the open trade of electricity between member states.
“The Friends of the Supergrid is uniquely placed to influence policymakers towards creating the supergrid and ultimately changing how we generate, transmit and consume electricity for generations to come.”In December last year, nine European Union member states, including the UK and Germany, signed a political declaration for the “North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative”. Last month Norway signed the declaration, the aim if which is to develop policy to advance offshore interconnection in Europe.
The FOSG said it was able to present “cradle to grave” interconnection possibilities to the policymakers and others looking to develop energy policy across Europe.
The group added: “The Supergrid will open markets, strengthen security of supply and create another global opportunity for European companies to export sustainable energy technology.”