Yet this means it is not obvious why TSOs would want their valuable trading cables to be connected to a costly and risky network of wind-farms? Some interviewees noted
here that TSOs were ‘not necessarily the best allies of the North Sea
Grid’ and that they were ‘very conservative organisations’ [103]. As
one explained: “TSOs are critical actors but are capable of playing a
double game. . .on the one hand they will seek interconnection and do
what they are told by national governments, but on the other hand,
they can manipulate national governments on technical advice and
grid stability” [104]. Interviewees were asked: ‘why risk a profitable
electricity trading cable by connecting to offshore wind-farms?’
Most conceded there was no clear answer, and a few suggested
that it was currently too risky or costly.