Consultation event - Hoy

Existing network

There is currently no transmission infrastructure on the Orkney Islands. The existing network is a distribution network operating at 33kV or below, and the Islands are connected to the mainland by two 33kV subsea cables installed in 1982 and 1998 respectively between Rackwick Bay on Hoy, and Murkle Bay near Thurso.

These cables have a total capacity of 40MW and the currently connected generation in Orkney uses all of the available export capacity in the existing 33kV cables. Demand on the islands varies between 7MW and 46MW and is secured in the event of a network fault with the assistance of a standby diesel generator installed at Kirkwall.

There is no additional capacity in the existing network, and consequently, any increase in the connected generation on Orkney will require a reinforcement of the existing network on the islands and to the connection to the mainland.

Project need

At present, there are five contracted connection agreements between National Grid and developers in the Orkney Islands. We are therefore looking at options for a new transmission subsea cable link between the Orkney Islands and Caithness, new inter-island cable links between Mainland Orkney, Hoy and South Ronaldsay, and associated new onshore transmission infrastructure.

Public information event

We are inviting members of the public and all interested parties to attend a public information event regarding our transmission proposals on the Orkney islands.

The project team will be in attendance for this open door event where members of the community can drop in at any time to receive information and ask any questions on the proposals.

Our approach

Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.

We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.

We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.

When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.