Viking Energy highlights commitment towards local suppliers
WIND farm developer Viking Energy has reiterated its commitment to using Shetland suppliers wherever possible after revealing that more than £4.5 million has been invested locally so far.
The company, owned by SSE Renewables, is building the large 103-turbine wind farm in the central mainland of Shetland.
SSEN Transmission, meanwhile, is building the HVDC interconnector cable to the Scottish mainland plus associated infrastructure such as a large converter station at Upper Kergord.
Between June and the end of November more than 30 companies in Shetland have benefitted from the development, while 52 local people are employed either by SSE Renewables or main contractor RJ McLeod, the company said.
“Working closely with local businesses and tradespeople is crucial to every SSE Renewables development as we want to make sure the financial benefits of our projects are shared with the communities that we are part of,” SSE Renewables’ Derek Hastings, a director of the Viking Energy project, said.
“Over the coming years, there’ll be many more opportunities for local businesses of all sizes and tradespeople in Shetland to enter the supply chain as the project progresses.
“These opportunities will range from providing equipment and trade services, to working on-site during construction, to providing operational support once the turbines start turning.
“We will continue to make it our priority to ensure a wide variety of employment opportunities are made available to as many local people as possible.”
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