IET Scotland tells MSPs ‘IET members can deliver solutions to reliable energy’

01 May 2008

A reliable, technically sound and economic electricity network is paramount to the Scottish economy and members from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) are the ones who can help deliver it.

Speaking to MSPs on the challenges facing Scottish electricity networks, Professor Robin MacLaren, chairman, IET Scotland, said, “The IET can help solve the problems but politicians need to provide leadership, remove barriers and allow sufficient time outside of the political agenda for solutions to be engineered.

 “Networks are technically complex, there are few simple solutions. The IET can help with neutral technical advice on the advantages and disadvantages of technical options. We have the expertise amongst our members to be able to provide this ‘service’ in the quest for delivering energy in an efficient and cost-effective way.”

The IET believes the focus should be on progressing necessary reinforcements to relieve constraints which, in the medium term, can be delivered with minimal consenting issues. In the shorter term, a less conservative approach is required, including a more flexible attitude to allocating transmission capacity.

John Scott, MSP, said, “The IET is of huge value to the Scottish Parliament in terms of transferring its knowledge to Parliament. There is a growing need for MSPs to be educated and informed at the highest level and the terrific wealth of expertise within the IET, as evidenced in these presentations, clearly indicates how great the gaps are in MSPs knowledge of this sector.”

Professor MacLaren continued, “The future may lie in offshore grids and interconnection but these are not easy options when avoiding mainland lines and planning and deregulation issues – defence, fishing, navigation, landing points and grid connection. Infrastructure considerations, unbelievably, were only ‘heard’ as an issue in the energy debate a few years ago, yet are central to any solution.

“The timescales for new transmission lines to achieve social and regulatory go ahead are between seven and twelve years – engineering and build between two and four years. New technology can help, but is usually not an immediate alternative. For new technology, commercial availability may be between three and five years for limited use, with widespread deployment taking five to twenty years as confidence is built in its ability to deliver the sound, reliable networks we all take for granted in our society.

“Scotland has been at the forefront of many developments in the past, and I expect it will continue to be through sound research and development in our academic institutions, the contribution of our industry, and the leading edge work of our major network companies.”