SSEN Transmission welcomes planning consent for Finstown substation

SSEN Transmission welcomes the approval of its Finstown substation planning application by Orkney Islands Council.  

The new substation will be built on the outskirts of Finstown, and is part of plans for transmission reinforcement from Orkney to the mainland, which is required to support the growth of renewable electricity generators across Orkney looking to connect to the main GB transmission system.

Commenting on the key milestone for the Orkney transmission reinforcement, Lead Project Manager, Keith Inglis, said:

“We welcome today’s decision to provide consent for Finstown substation, which is an important step forward in unlocking Orkney’s renewable electricity potential.

“Following Ofgem’s recent Needs Case decision, in which the regulator set out that funding approval is conditional on 135MW of new renewable generation receiving planning consent and demonstrating financial viability no later than December 2021, construction of the link and substation will not begin until this milestone has been reached.

“We remain committed to working with Orkney developers, Orkney Islands Council, the local community and other stakeholders to take forward the transmission infrastructure required to unlock Orkney’s renewable potential at the earliest opportunity, subject to final regulatory approval.”