Energy / Faulty Papa Stour power cable to be replaced
THE SUBSEA electricity cable to Papa Stour will be replaced after it developed a fault earlier this year.
The hope from SSEN is to carry out the work by the end of September.
Generators have been brought to the island to ensure stable supply for 20 customers following a fault on the cable at the end of January.
The cable links Papa Stour to the Shetland mainland. The island is located not too far from Melby on Shetland’s Westside.
A spokesperson from SSEN Distribution said: “Following detailed analysis of the fault – analysis which included a site visit earlier this week by members of our subsea team – we have made the decision to replace the cable.
“This decision has been arrived at following consideration of the potential risks of further damage to the existing cable during any repair works.
“Our plans to replace the cable will be progressed as soon as practically possible, subject to licensing, consents, contractor and vessel availability – and we are working hard to secure a specialist vessel to carry out the works by the end of September, with the actual installation process taking approximately one week.
“In the meantime, all properties on Papa Stour continue to be supplied via back up generation and this process is working well, with members of our team in Lerwick carrying out regular inspections and refuelling of the temporary equipment on the island.”
Not all of Shetland’s outlying inhabited islands are linked to the local grid through subsea cable, with Fair Isle and Foula having their own self-contained networks which include wind power.
Papa Stour can be accessed by a 40-minute ferry which runs to West Burrafirth.
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.
