Energy / Land near power station earmarked for new electricity infrastructure
INFRASTRUCTURE to allow Shetland’s existing electricity network to connect to the new set-up once the isles are connected to the national grid in 2024 is being planned for land near Lerwick Power Station.
SSE has signalled its intention to apply for planning permission for two grid transformers within two substation buildings, a control building, a new junction and a site compound.
It is being proposed for land behind the Ocean Kinetics and COPE Home Co. buildings.
Shetland is not currently connected to the British national grid, but this will all change in 2024 when the planned 600MW interconnector cable will go live.
It will feed power from the 103-turbine Viking Energy wind farm to the Scottish mainland, and it will have the ability to bring electricity north to Shetland too when needed.
The proposed ‘Gremista supply point’ will connect Shetland’s existing 33kV distribution network to the isles’ new 132kV network and interconnector to the mainland.
Further details on the proposed development will be given at a consultation event at the Shetland Museum on 7 September, between 4pm and 9pm – subject to Covid regulations.
In the event of a physical event not being able to take place, a virtual consultation is also taking place on 14 September between 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 5.30pm and 7pm.
The Gremista grid supply point is deemed a national development.
It forms part of a wider SSE project to facilitate more wind farms in Shetland – Peel Energy’s consented Beaw Field (Yell) and Mossy Hill (outside Lerwick), and the proposed Energy Isles development in Yell.
This will involve building a switching station in Yell, and a mixture of overhead and underground lines through Shetland.
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.