Friday 29 March 2024
 7.8°C   SE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Energy / New engine to be delivered to Lerwick Power Station

Lerwick power station is due to cease full operations in 2025.

A NEW engine is being delivered to Lerwick Power Station to ensure security of supply until the 600MW interconnector between Shetland and the Scottish mainland is operational.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution said the 6MW Wartsila W12V32 unit, which weighs in at 97.5t, is a “multi-million pound investment”.

Lerwick Power Station is to move out of full duty operations around 2025 once Shetland is connected to the national grid for the first time.

The engine will be taken into Dales Voe by a specialist cargo vessel today (Tuesday) and it will be lifted by a 650-tonne crane and placed into storage before making the 2km journey to Lerwick Power Station.

The new engine will be used to complement full duty operations until the 600MW transmission link is in place.

In conjunction, SSEN is in the process of purchasing an 8MW battery which will also enhance the islands’ security of supply in the short-term. It will be delivered in the first half of 2021. 

The engine will be slowly transported by SPMT (self propelled modular trailer) with escort vehicles on 8 October and will take approximately 1.5 hours.

There is not expected to be any road closures as the load is only 3.3m wide and will be moved outside of peak times to minimise disruption to the local community.  

SSEN embedded generation manager for the north of Scotland Darren Hitchin said: “To guarantee security of supply to the homes and businesses in Shetland that depend on us, we need to invest in Lerwick Power Station to support full duty operations of the station until Shetland is connected to the GB system. 

“The delivery of the new engine is a complex operation, but we’re committed to minimising disruption as our specialist teams transport the engine to site. We’d like to thank the local community in advance for their patience.

“Looking ahead to our connection to the HVDC transmission link in 2025, we are currently reviewing options for an innovative and cost-effective backup solution to support security of supply and will be submitting analysis to Ofgem in the coming weeks for consideration.” 

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.