More of Britain’s electricity infrastructure is being built beneath the sea – which begs the question, how do we ensure that it’s well maintained and protected so we can continue to rely on it?
This Briefing focuses on the practical challenges of building and operating a subsea grid. We’ll look at the role this infrastructure could play in easing pressure on the wider electricity network, and the importance of making sure it’s resilient enough to cope with the pressures placed upon it.
John Toone · UK Grid Solutions Lead · Crestchic
More of the infrastructure we rely on to keep the lights on is moving offshore, but that introduces new risks that we have to plan for – whether it’s sabotage from international threats or simply the reality of maintaining a grid that lives beneath the sea.
During this In Conversation session, we’ll explore the engineering decisions that shape that subsea infrastructure – looking at what the UK needs to get right when designing, building and connecting these projects to the wider grid.
We’ll also look at the importance of building resilience from the start, and how risks can be reduced through better planning and system design – especially important when it’s not exactly easy to inspect or repair a cable that is hundreds of miles offshore and deep under the sea.
It’s not all downsides, however, as we’ll explore the opportunities offshore infrastructure brings – and how it could help the UK connect more renewable generation, move large amounts of electricity around the country, and strengthen links with neighbouring markets.
Are we ready to depend on the subsea grid?
The UK is increasingly relying on a subsea grid to connect offshore wind and move electricity around the country, but while building beneath the sea can solve some of the challenges facing the grid, it can also create new risks when something goes wrong. That begs the question, are we able to rely on that subsea grid when it really matters?
UK Grid Solutions Lead
