Energy / Milestone for SSE Renewables as Viking produces first power
WITH blades starting to turn on some the 103 Viking Energy wind turbines, owner SSE Renewables has confirmed that first power has been generated as final commissioning continues.
The company also confirmed that full energisation of the 443MW wind farm and the 260km HVDC (high voltage direct current) subsea cable, which is developed separately by SSEN Transmission, is still expected later this summer.
Once connected to the national grid the project is likely to become the UK’s most productive wind farm, generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of almost half a million typical British homes annually.
The wind farm has begun producing electricity as part of final commissioning. Engineers will continue to progress through commissioning ahead of the wind farm reaching full power and entering commercial operations later in summer.
SSE Renewables’ onshore renewables development and construction director Heather Donald said: “This latest milestone is another step towards cleaner, more secure, homegrown power for Shetland, Scotland and the UK.
“Once again our expert teams have shown what can be achieved in the development, construction and operation of world-class renewable power assets as we look to lead the transition to a net zero future.”
SSEN Transmission’s programme director John Smith added: “Full energisation, linking Shetland to the GB transmission system for the first time will be crucial in delivering Shetland’s energy security as well as enabling extensive renewable generation development and export.
“A tremendous collective effort from our teams so far, we can now look forward to working through the remaining commissioning phases of the project before it is fully energised later this summer.”
Meanwhile, work is continuing to connect Shetland’s existing electricity distribution network to the new transmission network via the Kergord to Gremista link which scheduled for completion in 2025.
