Overview
About the Project
The project consists of:
- A high voltage direct current (HVDC) link, including approximately 260km of cabling - all but 10km of which will be in the North Sea
- A 320/132kV substation and HVDC converter station at Upper Kergord, Shetland
- A HVDC switching station necessary to facilitate connection to the existing transmission system at Noss Head, Caithness
Find Out More About Caithness HVDC Switching Station
Find Out More About Shetland Renewable Connections
Why is the Project Required?
The Shetland HVDC link was approved in 2020, following a 10-year development journey. It will connect Shetland to the GB transmission system for the first time, unlocking Shetland’s renewable potential, decarbonising Shetland’s energy supply and supporting its future energy needs. Once completed in 2024, the link will enable the connection of the 443MW Viking Wind Farm to the GB grid and will play a key role in supporting the transition to net zero emissions.
Why HVDC?
High voltage direct current technology offers the most efficient means of transmitting large amount of power over long distances, supporting and improving the sustainability and efficiency of power supply systems.
NKT Victoria (cable laying vessel) in the Wesidale Voe
Community Engagement
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a project and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss our proposals with local community councils and the wider affected community and to carry out engagement at key stages, listening to feedback before finalising project plans.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
National Grid ESO publish 'Beyond 2030' report
SSEN Transmission supports Shetland Celebrations of STEM for second year
SSEN Transmission and SSE Renewables are looking forward to taking part in an educational day of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) activities at the Shetland Museum in Lerwick on Wednesday 8 May.
The interactive event which has been organised by Prosper will involve local schools taking part in STEM challenges with representatives from various local businesses on hand to provide advice and guidance.
Over the course of the day, pupils will be asked to get involved in a fictional scenario called The Power Path Challenge, which involves building a marble run to represent a subsea cable transferring electricity from renewable sources, just like a giant undersea extension cord!
Schools that take part will be provided with free kits to enable them to build a model which will be tested on the day. The winning team will receive a trophy and £50 to spend on STEM supplies.
SSEN Transmission and SSE Renewables are committed to working with young people to help inspire and develop the future workforce and provide a pathway for school leavers into the wider energy sector.
Shetland Newsletter Issue 12
Second set of transformer units arrive
Shetland firm awarded multimillion pound contract on Shetland HVDC link project
Contract Awards
Approval of Shetland transmission link
Ground Investigation Works Completed
Ground Investigation Works
Marine Licence Consultation Response Events
Consultation Close
Marine License Consultation Events
Subsea Surveys
Shetland Renewables Supply Chain Event
HVDC Cable Tender
Customer Engagement Event
Team Site Visit - February 2018
Consultation on treatment of non-mainland GB onshore wind projects
Project Documents
-
Shetland Future Energy Ambitions Webinar 7th July 2023
- Type:
- Date:
- 21 September 2023
- Size:
- 3 MB
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Weisdale Voe residents mail drop - August 2023
- Type:
- Date:
- 15 September 2023
- Size:
- 145.5 KB
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Latest Shetland Newsletter
- Type:
- Date:
- 15 September 2023
- Size:
- 6 MB
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Converter Building Drawing - North and South
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 624.8 KB
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Landscape Detailing and Visualisation
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 1.3 MB
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Marine License Consultation Event 2019
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 1.3 MB
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Marine License Consultation Response Update 2019
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 1 MB
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Marine License Event 2019 - Info Boards
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 5.1 MB
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Marine Stakeholder Forum 28/01/2021
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 1.8 MB
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Proposed Land Cable Route
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 2.8 MB
Project Gallery
Project Construction Gallery
Project FAQs
FAQs
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