Press release, May 3, 2007

Gas and Electricity Markets Authority modifies generation licences enabling compulsory acquistion powers

The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority has announced it has modified the standard conditions of electricity generation licences to give effect to certain powers and rights in relation to licence holders for the purpose of carrying out specific activities.

The modification was made under Section 11A (3) and (4) of the Electricity Act 1989, and relates to Standard Licence Condition 14 (compulsory acquisition of land etc) and Condition 15 (other powers etc). The full document can be read here.

These modified conditions mean that Scira has received a direction confirming that Standard Licence Conditions (SLCs) 14 and 15 have been switched on in the company's electricy generation licence. To view click here.

As a generation licence holder, Scira Offshore Energy Limited will now be able to compulsorily acquire land for the installation of its planned electricity transmission cable.

Scira is planning the ‘best route option’ for the cable, which will be buried underground from the Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm cable landing point at Weybourne to Cawston (Salle). Key factors involved in determining the ‘best route’ have included: environmental issues, disruption to local residents and traffic, technical feasibility, risk and economy.

Scira Onshore Facilities manager, Andy Croker said that the company would prefer a negotiated settlement with all affected landowners rather than resorting to using its compulsory acquisition rights.

“Whilst we continue to actively pursue this goal, given both the Government’s policy and timescale for increasing the supply of renewable energy and the Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm planned schedules, it is considered essential that compulsory purchase powers are now investigated.”

For further information about standard licence conditions as well as the role of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets visit the Ofgem website at: www.ofgem.gov.uk

To view Scira’s generation licence, granted by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) on 12 March, 2007. Please click here.