Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his oral Answer to the Question from the hon. Member for Fylde of 8 October 2024, Official Report, column 140, whether his Department has made an assessment of the viability of (a) Stanah in Blackpool North and Fleetwood constituency and (b) other alternative routes for connecting the Morgan and Morecambe windfarm to the national grid.

The Electricity System Operator (then ESO, now NESO) assessed connection to the Stanah substation for Irish Sea windfarms alongside other substations in the Northwest and North Wales as part of the Holistic Network Design.[1]

ESO identified that Stanah substation would require extension to accommodate the Morgan and Morecambe offshore windfarms. Due to limited space, a new substation would be needed, with associated time and cost. Access was challenging due to residential and recreational surroundings, and there were environmental constraints around Morecambe Bay.

In contrast, Penwortham had a more accessible footprint, fewer constraints, and better electrical connectivity to the wider network.

[1] https://www.neso.energy/publications/beyond-2030/holistic-network-design-offshore-wind