Energy / Lerwick to Kergord trip for large transformer units will take three to five hours
TWO large transformer units for the project to connect Shetland to the national grid which have arrived in Lerwick are set to go on lengthy overnight journeys to Kergord in the coming days.
The first of the transformers, which weigh around 168 tonnes, will head off from Lerwick in a convoy at 10.30pm on Friday.
The second will repeat the journey at 10.30pm on the following Monday (9 May).
The trip from Lerwick to Kergord will take three to five hours due to the speed the multi-axle transporting vehicle will drive at.
The transformers arrived in Lerwick on Sunday on board the specialist vessel MV Eemslift Ellen.
They are said to be key components in the operation of the new Kergord substation, and they will play a vital role in the Shetland HVDC link.
Once complete, the link will enable the connection of renewable electricity generation and help Shetland’s future security of supply.
The drives from Lerwick to Kergord are taking place overnight, under supervision and guidance of the police, to minimise disruption.
No road closures are required to facilitate the movement of the transformers, and vehicles should be able to pass the convoy at regular opportunities on the road network under guidance from the police.
Two remaining transformers are expected to be delivered arrive in June.
Transformers for SSE Renewables’ Viking Energy wind farm project are also expected to arrive early next month, with a similar arrangement expected to be in place to transport the transformers to the wind farm site.
A second transformer delivery for Viking Energy wind farm is also planned for early August.
SSEN Transmission assistant project manager Jared Deeney said: “The delivery of the four new transformers from Hitachi Energy is a key milestone in the construction of the Shetland HVDC link.
“The complex delivery has been carefully coordinated by our project teams, working with our specialist haulier, Allelys, Peterson Shetland, Shetland Islands Council and Police Scotland, to ensure disruption can be kept to a minimum for the local community and road users on Shetland.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community in advance for their patience and understanding while we transport these transformers onto their final destination in Kergord.”
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