Towards Implementation

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The second phase included three distinct work-streams as detailed below as well as a programme of stakeholder consultation and dissemination activity. The ISLES II delivery phase concluded at the end of June and the reports finalised and uploaded to ISLES website in September 2015. The key outputs detailed in the reports include; • a cross jurisdictional Spatial Plan providing locational marine guidance to potential developers; • a recommended regulatory model that outlines principles for arrangements to facilitate efficient coordination of development; and, • an ISLES business plan that proposes an overarching governance framework, through which future development might be supported. ISLES Spatial Plan This work-stream includes the production of the ISLES Spatial Plan and Sustainability Appraisal, comprising of: a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA); a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) to identify the potential for effects on European nature conservation sites; and a Socio-economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) – an assessment of the impacts of the plan on communities, other users of the sea and the economy. Network Regulation & Market Alignment Study This work-stream seeks to build on the regulatory scenarios and related economic analysis prepared under ISLES I and to devise a recommended model of market operation for the ISLES partner jurisdictions that could also have the potential for adaption elsewhere in the EU. Business Plan This plan will be used to inform and promote potential future commercial development of a sub-sea electricity network and associated renewable energy projects in the ISLES Zone. It describes the commercial opportunities, identifying current and future scenarios and interventions to maximise local economic (construction, manufacturing, operations and maintenance) content levels. The plan will assist a range of relevant stakeholders including governments, transmission owners (both onshore and off-shore), system operators, generators and regulators.

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