Energy / Viking wind farm hit by cabling setback
SSE Renewables confident setback will not impact on wind farm’s progress
THE INSTALLATION of the cabling for the Viking Energy wind farm project has been suspended after “anomalies” were detected on parts of the “underground medium-voltage cable”.
Contractors have been involved in laying a complex network of cables to connect the wind farm to the converter station at Kergord for the last few months.
French cable manufacturer Nexans has now confirmed what local rumours have been suggesting for some time.
A company spokesperson said installation had been suspended by joint decision.
“In consultation with SSE, we have decided to perform an on-site quality checking of the cables, and potential affected cables will be repaired or replaced,” they said.
“We are in very close contact with our client, and the success of this project, important for everyone and the whole Shetland community, is our priority.”
Critics of the project however have been suggesting that the cables supplied might be of inferior quality.
Chairperson of Sustainable Shetland Frank Hay said: “Perhaps quality should have had a higher priority in the tendering process for the cable, cheapest is not always the best option.
“Once again resources for the wind farm have been sourced from abroad where manufacturing standards may not be as high as in the UK
“Viking’s recent boast that the project is on time and on budget is maybe a case of counting chickens before they are hatched.”
However, project owner SSE Renewables said on Tuesday morning that remedial work is not expected to affect the overall progression of the project.
“We remain on course to commence operations in 2024,” a company spokesperson said.
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
