[1] [2] [3] The project promoter, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, identifies the link as "one of the key investments across GB that is required to meet 2030 offshore wind targets, [and] marks a major step forward in unlocking the renewable energy potential of the Western Isles".
[4] In July 2022, the increase of planned capacity to 1.8GW set the proposed completion date back three years to 2030, though SSEN is exploring options to bring this forward again.
[6] In 2013, a needs case was sent back by Ofgem within a month, querying why it was being submitted at a time when generators were seeking, but had not received, enhanced CfD support.
[1] In Sept 2019, the proposed Stornoway Wind Farm in Lewis failed to win a Contract for Difference (CfD), raising doubts about the future of the link.
[8] In July 2022, the electricity system operator, National Grid plc, published its "Pathway to 2030", which reaffirmed the need for a link, and proposing to increase the power capacity from 600MW to 1.8GW.