Viking Energy is greatly encouraged by today’s decision by industry regulator Ofgem to provisionally approve a 600 megawatt (MW) subsea electricity transmission connection for Shetland.
This announcement follows consideration of the final Needs Case for a Shetland link which was submitted by transmission network operator Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks in October last year.
The proposed project includes a 260 kilometre cable from Weisdale to Caithness and construction of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) convertor station at Upper Kergord and a switching station at Noss Head, near Wick.
Responding to the news, Viking Energy Shetland head of development Aaron Priest said:
“We are delighted to see the transmission connection project taking this big step forward. Shetland is one of the last parts of the country not connected to the GB electricity grid. It is important to rectify this, not only as it will allow Shetland to fully harness renewable energy for the islands and elsewhere, but it will also secure a wealth of long-term socio-economic benefits for Shetland.
“Viking Energy looks forward to responding to Ofgem’s consultation and hopes for a speedy outcome before it submits its bid for a government-backed CfD contract later this year.”