Generator build offshore projects are subject to OTSDUW Arrangements, as defined in Grid Code, whereby certain aspects of the design, consenting, construction, installation and/or commissioning of transmission assets are capable of being undertaken by a customer prior to the transfer of those assets to a Relevant Transmission Licensee under an Offshore Tender Process. When the customer is acting in such a capacity, they will be referred to as the OTSDUW User.
The site-specific technical requirements applicable to the customer at the Offshore Grid Entry Point, as defined in the Grid Code, will be specified in the Appendix F to the relevant bilateral agreement. The site-specific technical requirements applicable to the customer, in their capacity as OTSDUW User, at the Transmission Interface Point, as defined in the Grid Code, will be specified in the Appendix OF to the relevant construction agreement.
For offshore connections, two separate Compliance Statements will be provided by the allocated Contract Compliance Manager: one to the customer for completion with respect to their compliance requirements at the Offshore Grid Entry Point and one to the customer, in their capacity as OTSDUW User, for completion with respect to their compliance requirements at the Transmission Interface Point.
A single ONCC will be provided which specifies a high-level checklist of key milestones and activities for the customer to complete through the Compliance Process in their role as both wind farm owner and OTSDUW User. The range of examples of ONCC’s in Appendix 2 of this guidance document includes an example specific to Generator build offshore projects.
The ION is split into ION Part A and ION Part B for offshore connections both of which have a lifetime of 24 months. ION Part A is required for commissioning of any dynamic reactive compensation equipment for export of reactive power. ION Part B is required for first export of active power from the wind farm.
The customer will be issued with a Completion Notice at the time of issue of the ION Part B to initiate the asset transfer (to an OFTO) process. Under any scenario whereby the issue of the ION Part B is staged, the Completion Notice will be issued at the time of issue of the final stage of the ION Part B.
Further guidance on the asset transfer process can be found on Ofgem’s website which can be accessed via the link provided in the “Useful Website Links” section of this document:
Section K Notifications
The steps below are followed leading up to the issuing of a Section K Notification:
National Grid ESO has monthly update meetings with Ofgem in which asset transfer dates for offshore networks and the preferred bidder / Section 8A dates are discussed. The Section 8A date is the date when an OFTO is appointed/issued a Transmission Owner Licence. This 8A date is in advance of the OTSUA Transfer date.
On confirmation that an OFTO has been appointed (and before the offshore asset transfer occurs), there will be an OTSDUW completion report issued to the National Grid ESO Connections Contract Manager.
The Completion Report is reviewed and amended as appropriate. Once the Completion Report is accepted, the Connections Contract requests for ed and accepted.
An Interim Section K Notification (ISKN) is issued by National Grid ESO to the appointed OFTO listing the parts of the Compliance process requiring completion (the elements outstanding on the ION Part A). These items are to be transferred onto the ISKN schedule.
A Final Section K Notification (FSKN) is issued by National Grid ESO to the appointed OFTO following successful completion of the Compliance process i.e. there are no outstanding items on the ION Part A).
This will be advised upon during Operational Notification and Compliance Panel meetings and items required to be satisfied prior to the issuing of the Section K Notification to the assigned Relevant Transmission Licensee. A Final Section K Notification (FSKN) is issued if all items within the schedule of unresolved issues attached the ION Part A are closed whereas an Interim Section K Notification (ISKN) is issued should any of them remain open at this time.
Derogations for Offshore Connections
As soon as the customer is aware of their inability to resolve any outstanding items within the ION Part A and/or ION Part B timescales, they should notify National Grid ESO as a derogation would be required. Any ION extensions (beyond the 24 months) would be subject to the Customer having applied to Ofgem for a derogation for any remaining Unresolved Issues.
Upon a derogation being granted by Ofgem, the Customer should submit their final Compliance Statement accompanied by a final User Self Certification of Compliance and final UDFS including any updated and / or new submissions as may be applicable.
Final Operational Notifications for Offshore Connections
Once all of the items listed within the ION Part B schedule have been satisfactorily completed and the customer has submitted a final Compliance Statement accompanied by a final User Self Certification of Compliance and final UDFS submission including any updated and / or new submissions as may be applicable, a FON can be issued, signifying completion of the Operational Notification and Compliance Process.