Orkney’s Landmark £900 Million Electricity Connection Project Begins
Substation to connect Orkney to the UK's HV Transmission network.
Image for illustration purposes.
Construction has officially begun on a new electricity substation in Finstown, Orkney, marking a crucial step in the £900 million Orkney-Caithness 220 kV Subsea Link project.
Key points of the project include:
1. A new high voltage alternating current (HVAC) subsea cable will connect Orkney to mainland Scotland.
2. The project will enable up to 220 MW of new renewable energy to be connected to the national grid.
3. The Finstown Substation will serve as the main transmission electricity hub for the Orkney Islands.
4. The project involves:
– 14km of underground cable in Orkney
– 53km of subsea cable
– A new substation at Dounreay in Caithness
5. Construction has already begun at the Dounreay West Substation on the Scottish mainland.
6. Full energisation of the project is expected in 2028.
This project represents a significant investment in Scotland’s renewable energy infrastructure. It will play a crucial role in the UK’s transition to clean energy and efforts to combat climate change.
The project team, including SSEN Transmission and contractors BAM and Siemens Energy, emphasised their commitment to minimising disruption to local communities and keeping residents informed throughout the construction process.
This development marks a transformative moment for Orkney’s energy landscape, potentially unlocking significant renewable energy resources and contributing to the UK’s broader energy security and sustainability goals.
Source: Project Scotland
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