SSEN Transmission to present feedback on the proposed transmission subsea link to Shetland

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SSEN Transmission invites local stakeholders to come along to its consultation events in Lerwick and Wick, where it will present the feedback received on the proposed transmission link connecting Shetland to the north of Scotland.

The feedback events follow two successful consultation events held in July where stakeholders met with the project team and provided their comments on the installation of the subsea section of the HVDC transmission link between Shetland and the Scottish mainland.

The proposed cable between Weisdale Voe in Shetland and Noss Head in Caithness would be approximately 260km long, including 250km of subsea cable. These events will allow SSEN Transmission to present their responses to comments received throughout consultation, prior to submitting an application for a Marine License to Marine Scotland and an application for a Marine Works License to Shetland Islands Council.

Kelly Scott, SSEN Transmission’s Community Liaison Manager, said:

"We would like to thank everyone who provided their feedback during our public consultation, these comments have played a key role in the development of the project.

“As a responsible developer we want to keep the local community and stakeholders updated on our proposals, at every stage of the project development.”

“At these events we will be sharing our responses to feedback received during our consultation and how they have informed the development of the subsea cable route and its installation method. I’d encourage anyone who is interested to come along to our feedback events and meet the project team”

 

The events are being held at the following venues:

  • 8 October: Sound Public Hall Lerwick: 16.30 -19.30
  • 10 October: Wick Assembly Rooms Caithness: 16.30-19.30

 

As the licenced transmission network operator for the north of Scotland, SSEN Transmission has an obligation to provide connections to generators looking to connect to its transmission system.  Significant new renewable generation is proposed for Shetland and the HVDC link is key to enabling these renewable generators to export their power to the rest of the country.

In addition, the transmission link could also be used to provide power to help support Shetland’s every day electricity requirements and address its future security of supply needs.  The islands’ current electricity requirements are predominately met by Lerwick Power Station, which is nearing the end of its operational life and is expected to cease operations no later than 2025.  The transmission link is currently scheduled to be energised in March 2024.