Sunday 22 December 2024
 6°C   WNW Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Energy / Two years of underground cabling works proposed by SSEN

Two years worth of underground cabling works could get under way next year. Photo: SSEN Transmission

A TWO year programme of underground power cabling works, which would stretch almost 27 miles through Shetland, could begin next year. 

SSEN Distribution is proposing to install two high voltage distribution cables between the Gremista Grid Supply Point in Lerwick and the North Mainland. An image of the proposed route can be found through a link here.

A major part of the plans – called the North Shetland Reinforcement Project – would see Sullom Voe Terminal (SVT) connected to the network via the cables as part of decarbonisation plans for the site.

Currently the terminal has its own gas-fired power station, but this is due to be decommissioned.

SSEN will hold two public consultation events about the North Mainland project later this month – one in the Brae Hotel on 22 October, and the other in Lerwick Town Hall the following day.

The cable route would stretch 43km through the isles, and would cross through both private land and public roads – likely resulting in disruption to drivers.

The energy giant said it would take “around two years” to install the full network.

“The advanced cabling works portion of the project, which is 12km in length, is expected to last approximately nine months and will involve teams carrying out a rolling programme of works in sections of approximately 500m at a time,” it said.

“Full details of the cable route and the work schedule will be posted once dates are finalised with landowners and Shetland Islands Council.”

In addition, SSEN will build a new switching station at Quoys of Garth in the North Mainland.

Also involved are upgrades to substations at Firth and Mid Yell as well as “minor reconfigurations of existing overhead lines”.

It said this “essential upgrade” was at the development stage, and would increase capacity for future projects related to low carbon or decarbonisation.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

The Scatsta Airport site near SVT is also earmarked for possible hydrogen production, while two wind farms are planned by Statkraft in Yell.

SSEN added it would also “improve the reliability and security of the power supply for communities across the islands”.

The company said more detailed plans are expected to be announced in spring 2025, following this month’s public consultations.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.