SSEN Transmission gets ready to break first ground on Shetland transmission link

 

SSEN Transmission and its principal contractor for all civil works, BAM Nuttall, will make a start on the construction of the Kergord convertor and substation works in the month ahead. Once complete the convertor station will facilitate the connection of renewable energy from Shetland to the GB transmission system via a 250km subsea cable. 

The project team will be mobilising to site in stages over the coming months, with an initial team of approximately 25 staff setting up the site in early September. The team will be focusing on the initial civil engineering; setting up a temporary site compound and welfare facilities, along with some minor watercourse diversion work and the installation of environmental mitigations, ahead of commencing general earthworks.

Work has also started on the archaeology investigations and other survey work on the cable route from Kergord to Weisdale Voe ahead of the commencement of cabling works scheduled to start early next year.

Sandy Mactaggart, SSEN Transmission’s Director of Offshore Delivery, said:

“After many years of development, we are delighted construction works are now getting underway, which will see Shetland connected to the GB transmission system for the first time ever, unlocking the islands renewables potential, providing clean power for local use and supporting a secure supply of electricity for Shetland.

“The site will begin to take shape over the coming months with a small team of around 25 workers setting up site in September, with staff numbers gradually growing to around 50 by the end of the year. We have been working closely with the local supply chain ahead of the commencement of work on the project, opening up contact opportunities for local companies.

“As a responsible developer, we will continue to work closely with the local community throughout the construction phase to ensure we actively mitigate any impact of construction activities and minimise disruption where possible.”

To find out more about the Shetland HVDC link project, please visit https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/shetland/