Overview
About the Project
The Shetland HVDC Link 2 project is in the early stages of development.
The project may consist of:
- A high voltage direct current (HVDC) marine cable, linking Shetland to Scotland Mainland.
Shetland:
- HVDC Converter station
- 400kV AC Substation
- Onshore underground cable and landfall
Scotland Mainland:
- HVDC Converter station
- Onshore underground cable and landfall
Why is the Project Required?
The Shetland Islands can play a major part in helping Great Britain achieve Net zero targets.
There are a number of new electricity Generators (e.g. onshore and offshore wind farms) and demand projects (e.g. hydrogen production) that require to connect to the on-island electricity transmission network on Shetland.
In March 2024, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) published a report called ‘Beyond 2030’ also known as the transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan 2 (tcSNP2), which recommended a second HVDC link to connect Shetland to the Scotland mainland.
The Shetland HVDC Link 2 project will enable the connection of contracted customers and enable future potential schemes to connect on Shetland and enable the transfer of electricity onto the Great Britain electricity network.
This new infrastructure will also connect to the existing Shetland HVDC link.
Why HVDC?
High Voltage direct current technology offers the most efficient means of transmitting large amounts of power over long distances, supporting and improving the sustainability and efficiency of power supply systems
Beyond 2030
To deliver energy security and net zero, further additional investment in new low carbon electricity generation and the enabling electricity transmission network infrastructure will be required across Great Britian, including the north of Scotland.
In March 2024, the independent National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) published its ‘Beyond 2030’ report, which confirmed the need for several new, replacement and upgraded transmission infrastructure projects in the north of Scotland. In December 2024, Ofgem approved the next phase of regulatory funding to take these projects through the development phase. This project is part of these additional investments and will soon be subject to extensive public consultation and engagement to help inform the development.
Community Engagement
We are committed to working with stakeholders on Shetland and the Scotland Mainland so that we are delivering a legacy with a lasting and meaningful positive impact.
The project is in the early stages of development and will be subject to extensive consultation with communities and stakeholders throughout 2025 and beyond.
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
Featured updates
Featured updates for this project
Project updates
-
Shetland 2 High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link Marine Consultation Event
We are holding a consultation event focusing on the marine elements of the Shetland 2 HVDC project, including the potential landfalls. We are keen to gain feedback and input on any constraints and considerations within the area.
During this consultation event, you will be able to meet the project team and view information on our proposal to install a second HVDC subsea cable that will connect Scotwind’s wind farms from Shetland to the Scottish Mainland.
We would like to invite members of the public and interested parties to view our early-stage plans, ask questions, and share local insights that will help shape our marine licence application. Your knowledge and input are vital in helping us understand how our proposals may interact with fishing activity in the area.
The event will be held at the following location:
Tuesday 17 June, 2–7pm Portsoy Town Hall, 2-4 Seafield St, Portsoy, Banff AB45 2QLTuesday 24 June, 3.30–7pm Brae Public Hall, Brae, Shetland, ZE2 9QJ
We encourage all members of the local community and all interested parties to attend the event
The feedback period is open until 5 August and you can provide feedback using the online feedback form.
Documents
Consultation Documents
-
Shetland 2 Poster.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 09 June 2025
- Size:
- 972.4 KB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project and/or consultation events.
-
Shetland 2 Portsoy Poster.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 09 June 2025
- Size:
- 903.6 KB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project and/or consultation events.
-
Shetland 2 Marine Booklet V7.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 June 2025
- Size:
- 10.8 MB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project and/or consultation events.
FAQs
FAQs
Recite me
To make use of this function please click on the 3 'A's' button at the bottom left of the website.
