Early engagement gets underway ahead of potential second subsea link

This week project teams have started early discussions with community councils and members of Shetland Islands Council to begin the initial fact-finding stages of the project.

While the development of a second link is still in its very early stages, teams are beginning work on the initial site-selection process, looking at a wide area to determine where any potential new onshore infrastructure could be housed.

The need for a second HVDC link has been identified by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (the ESO) as part of its Beyond 2030 report published in spring this year. The energy regulator, Ofgem, has also provisionally approved the need for the link.

The proposed second HVDC link is planned to be built to a capacity of 1.8GW – three times the capacity of the existing Shetland HVDC Link which fully energised in August – and is needed to help connect and transmit the renewable energy generated from three offshore wind farms which are proposed to the east of Shetland.

Teams are starting early engagement with communities to help gather useful information, local knowledge and views to help ensure the onshore infrastructure for the project is appropriately located.  Infrastructure is expected to include a new HVDC converter station and Alternating Current (AC) substation to help connect new renewable energy generation and transmit it via the second link.

There is also a requirement to connect this new Hub to the existing substation at Kergord.

The Hub will provide a second circuit to the Scottish mainland, further supporting Shetland’s future security of supply, as well as connecting into the local distribution network via the Kergord to Gremista circuits, which are currently being constructed and remain on track for completion by the end of 2025.

SSEN Transmission’s Community Liaison Manager Thea Groat said: 
“The proposed second Shetland HVDC Link remains in the very early stages of development and will be subject to extensive and meaningful formal consultation with local communities and wider stakeholders.

“To help inform the early development of these projects, we are eager to hear from communities across Shetland to help take on board initial thoughts, feedback and key local knowledge to help shape our proposals in these crucial early phases.

“We’ve started our initial engagement with Shetland Islands Council and community councils in Shetland and look forward to meeting with further groups to share our initial plans and take on board any views they have.

“These projects are crucial in the fight against climate change, to enhance local and national energy security and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and will play a major role in helping to secure power for current and future generations.

“They will also unlock significant economic benefits, supporting local business and jobs, where we are committed to build on the positive economic impacts of the first Shetland HVDC link and deliver a lasting legacy for current and future generations.”