Energy / Proposed electricity infrastructure would ‘help keep the lights on’
The ‘Greener Grid Park’ proposal would include battery modules with a capacity of up to 50MW
PEOPLE will have the chance to learn about what is being described as a “key component of Shetland’s future electrical grid infrastructure” at an exhibition later this meeting.
Statkraft’s plans for a ‘Greener Grid Park’ on land by Lower Blackhill Industrial Estate in Lerwick would support the new Shetland grid supply point (GSP) substation, which is set to be built nearby.
The GSP, which is being developed by SSE, is a vital part of the plan to connect Shetland’s local electricity network to British electricity grid network by subsea cable in 2024.
A public exhibition on the Greener Grid Park will take place in Islesburgh Community Centre’s room nine from 12.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 22 September.
The development would comprise of battery modules with a capacity of up to 50MW and two synchronous compensators.
If consented and developed the project will provide grid stability, allowing diesel generators to be mothballed and providing time for them to switch on against any potential faults or failures in supply.
Statkraft said the project would allow Shetland to run on “100 per cent zero carbon electricity”.
The Greener Grid Park is planned to be split and located north and south of the GSP and be connected into the consented substation development.
Statkraft is the Norwegian developer which would lead the construction of the Energy Isles wind farm in Yell, should it receive consent. It already has a number of Greener Grid Parks across the UK to support the transition to net zero.
To ensure more people can see what is being proposed in Lerwick, Statkraft will also run a virtual event on a project website from 22-29 September.
Statkraft said it is committed to using local skills and supplies where possible, particularly given the engineering expertise and knowledge that exists in Shetland.
A community benefit fund will also be available from the start of construction, throughout the project’s lifetime to support local projects.
Senior project manager Lucy Kent said: “I am looking forward to showing members of the public our plans for a Greener Grid Park in Lerwick which will support Shetland’s growing green economy and help keep the lights on in Shetland.
“We hope as many people as possible will join us in person or through our digital engagement to learn about the technology we are proposing, what it does and how it can form a key part of the future electrical grid infrastructure in Shetland.
“Members of the project team will be in attendance to answer questions on a range of topics such as environmental planning, safety and security, operations and timescales.”
Once Shetland is connected to the Scottish mainland by the 600MW interconnector Lerwick Power Station will go into standby mode.
The cable will allow renewable energy export from Shetland – including from the 103-turbine Viking Energy wind farm which is currently being constructed in the central mainland.
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