SSEN Unveils Future Energy Plans for Shetland’s Infrastructure

SSEN Transmission has revealed detailed plans regarding future energy infrastructure developments in Shetland, including proposed substations and overhead lines. As part of ongoing consultation efforts, the organization aims to gather community feedback on these significant projects. One of the most notable developments is a northern substation hub, with SSEN planning to submit a formal application by 2024. Construction is slated to occur between 2028 and 2032, with the facility expected to be fully operational by 2035.

Infrastructure Developments and Locations

SSEN has shortlisted several potential sites for the northern substation hub in the Scatsta and Sullom Voe areas. The four candidates include Scatsta airfield, Scatsta Ness, Fraw Houll (southwest of the former airport), and Toft Camp. This hub will play a critical role in connecting local offshore wind developments, such as Statkraft’s Beaw Field and Energy Isles wind farms in Yell, to the mainland. It will also link with a proposed second High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable, enhancing energy export capabilities.

The hub will feature a 2GW converter station linked to the new HVDC system, facilitating power exports. Additionally, a 400kV substation will support both offshore and onshore generation connections in the region. Consultation documents indicate that the hub will occupy a footprint of approximately 40 hectares and is scheduled for commissioning in 2034.

A second 220kV substation will also be required to accommodate future generation and storage connections from third-party developers. SSEN is considering two locations for this development: one south of Lower Voe, along the A970, and another off the A968 north of Voe.

Concerns Over New Overhead Lines

Community feedback has highlighted concerns regarding the proposed new overhead lines connecting the northern hub to the Kergord 2 substation and the existing Kergord substation. SSEN plans to construct two metal lattice structures, often referred to as pylons, which would stand at a height of 28 metres, compared to the 18-metre wooden poles currently used. Each kilometre of line would require eight of these structures.

For the segment between Kergord 2 and the northern hub, SSEN is exploring the use of 38-metre high lattice towers. This section will necessitate three structures per kilometre. The energy regulator Ofgem has raised questions regarding SSEN’s choice of 220kV technology instead of the more common 275kV, which typically requires larger structures. SSEN has argued that the smaller towers strike a balance between technical performance and minimizing visual and environmental impacts.

Lead project manager for onshore projects, Cath Swan, stated that the lattice towers will have a lesser environmental impact compared to underground cables. Three potential routes between Kergord and the Scatsta area have been proposed, with the preferred option following the Dales Lees road to reduce landscape and visual impacts. If all necessary consents are secured, construction is expected to begin in 2028 and conclude by 2032.

Future Energy Needs and Community Consultation

SSEN is also consulting on projects related to the planned Energy Isles and Beaw Field wind farms in Yell, which will require a new 220kV circuit to connect a proposed substation in Yell to the northern hub. Possible landfall locations for a new subsea cable to Yell include Burravoe and South Wick of Sound, while Mossbank, Grunnavoe, Toft Camp, and Toft Ness are under consideration for mainland connections.

SSEN emphasized the need for enhanced energy infrastructure to support the increasing demand from new renewable energy projects, including both onshore and offshore wind farms, as well as emerging initiatives like hydrogen production. The organization noted that the existing electricity transmission infrastructure is insufficient to handle the growing demand and generation capacity.

Community members still have the opportunity to provide feedback on these various projects through online consultations. This input will be invaluable as SSEN moves forward with its ambitious plans to enhance Shetland’s energy capabilities.