Converter station details

DETAILED plans for a proposed converter station, vital to connect Shetland to the national electricity grid, have been submitted to the local planning authority.

Shetland Islands Council granted outline consent for the Upper Kergord station in February 2011.

Now Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) has submitted detailed plans in accordance with conditions set by the council two years ago.

Planning officers have two months to scrutinise the plans under delegated authority.

The converter station is an integral part of the Viking Energy wind farm as well as other renewable energy projects.

SHE Transmission project manager Alison Hall said that the design of the converter station had changed since February 2011:

• the two HVDC converter station buildings originally proposed have been combined to form a single building;
• the proposed height of the buildings has been lowered from 22 metres to 17 metres;
• two 23 metre lightning masts have been included to ensure equipment can be protected from electrical storms;
• a water storage tank has been added; and
• there have been minor alterations to drainage and landscaping proposals.

“When generators of electricity request a connection within our license area, SHE Transmission’s job is to develop a proposal which can be delivered, taking account of economic, technical and environmental considerations.

“Our team has worked hard to refine our plans for Upper Kergord and to put effective measures in place to meet many of the conditions set by SIC. 

“Obtaining approval for these key details will allow us to make progress as quickly as possible if it is confirmed that the connection will be required,” she said.

A copy of the application documents will be available for public viewing at Shetland Library from next week. More information about the proposed HVDC connection is available from the project’s website at www.sse.com/Shetland