Shetland public invited to have their say on subsea connection plans

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  • Consultation events taking place next week to share information on proposed Shetland 2 HVDC Link and Yell HVAC Connection 

  • Public asked to help shape proposals ahead of further consultation events taking place later this year 

People in Shetland are being invited to have their say on new proposed subsea electricity transmission connections at a series of marine consultation events taking place next week. 

The first event taking place on Tuesday 24 June at Brae Public Hall (3.30 – 7pm) will share information and invite feedback on potential subsea routes for the proposed Shetland 2 High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link connecting Shetland to the mainland.  

The event will include indicative cable route options that take account of current fisheries and marine operations and sites of interest, while sharing information on potential cable landfall locations in the north of the Shetland mainland area.  

Meanwhile, two other events are taking place to share information and invite comments on the proposed Yell High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) Connection, which will connect the island of Yell to the electricity transmission system on mainland Shetland.  

The first event will take place at Burravoe Public Hall on Yell on Wednesday 25 June (2pm to 6.45pm), followed by another at Voe Public Hall on the mainland on Thursday 26 June (2pm to 7pm).  

The projects come as part of plans to expand transmission capacity in Shetland in support of new offshore renewable power projects that will enhance energy security in Shetland, limit the number of new subsea cable connections to the mainland, and make a significant contribution to national clean energy ambitions. 

Alan Kelly, Lead Project Manager from SSEN Transmission, said: “We are at the early stages of development for the proposed Shetland 2 HVDC Link and Yell HVAC Connection, however we are keen to share our initial plans on the marine elements of each project and invite feedback that can help shape our approach.  

“For each project this means we are inviting views on potential marine cable routes, as well as sharing broad information on landfall locations, so that we can refine our plans in a way that considers public and stakeholder feedback which is a key aspect of our project development process.  

“We have already been engaging with key stakeholder groups such as Shetland Fishermen’s Association and Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation, however we are keen to speak to others with knowledge of local waters that could help inform our approach – for example those involved in fishing and shipping operations, or groups dedicated to protecting local wildlife and marine assets. 

“By speaking to us, you can help shape our plans ahead of further consultation events that will take place later this year, where we will be able to share more information on each of these important projects.”