Ground Broken on Orkney Substation for £900M HVAC Link
The project involves the installation of a high voltage alternating current (HVAC) subsea cable linking Orkney to mainland Scotland.
Image for illustration purposes.
Construction has officially commenced on a new electricity substation in Finstown, Orkney, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Orkney Islands to the UK’s national electricity grid for the first time. This development is part of the £900 million Orkney-Caithness 220kV Subsea Link project, which aims to revolutionise Orkney’s energy landscape.
This connection will enable up to 220MW of new renewable energy to be fed into the national grid, potentially unlocking Orkney’s vast renewable energy resources.
Key components of the project include:
1. The Finstown Substation: Set to become the main transmission electricity hub for the Orkney Islands.
2. 14km of underground cable in Orkney
3. 53km of subsea cable
4. A new substation at Dounreay in Caithness, where construction has already begun
The project team, comprising SSEN Transmission and contractors BAM and Siemens Energy, has emphasised their commitment to minimising disruption to local communities throughout the construction process.
This infrastructure development represents a significant investment in Scotland’s renewable energy future. It not only connects Orkney to the national grid but also plays a crucial role in the UK’s broader efforts to transition to clean energy and combat climate change.
The Orkney-Caithness link is expected to be fully energised by 2028, marking a transformative moment for Orkney’s energy landscape. This project has the potential to significantly contribute to the UK’s energy security and sustainability goals, positioning Orkney as a key player in the nation’s renewable energy strategy.
As the project progresses, it will likely create new opportunities for renewable energy development in Orkney, potentially stimulating economic growth and positioning the islands at the forefront of the UK’s green energy revolution.
Source: Ground Engineering
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