Shetland will soon be connected to the UK's energy system for the first time.

The Shetland Islands are currently not connected to the UK's energy system which means they rely entirely on local generation for their electricity needs. The electricity on the islands is provided by two power stations (supplying around 80% of the electricity via fossil fuel generation) and some renewable energy (around 20% of the islands needs) on the Shetland mainland.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are the Distribution Network Operator and System Operator and are responsible for the operation of the islands electricity system. You can find out more about the current system at SSEN's website by clicking this link:

Shetland's Energy Today


An example of a subsea cable

Work is underway to install a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable from Shetland to the UK mainland at Noss Head, Caithness which will be the first time that the Shetland Islands have ever been connected to the UK mainlands energy system.

The development and construction of the Viking wind farm was crucial to underpin the financial case for the new connection to be built.

Once the cable and associated infrastructure is completed in 2024, the electricty generated by Viking will be able to flow from Shetland to the UK mainland and, when required, the islands will benefit from electricity flowing from the UK mainland.

The installation of the cable will also faciliate the addition of other renewable energy generation in Shetland.

The HVDC link is being installed by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSENT). You can find out more about the new link by visiting the SSENT website via this link:

Shetland HVDC Link