Energy / Transformers arrive at Gremista site in latest milestone for SSEN project
ANOTHER milestone has been reached in the project to connect Shetland to the UK national grid with the arrival of two new transformers in Lerwick.
SSEN said the transformers – each weighing around 59 tonnes – were the largest components in the project and were delivered earlier this month.
Once fully installed the transformers will ensure the site’s ability to handle current and future electricity demand.
The two units arrived in Lerwick Harbour’s Greenhead Base before being carefully loaded onto a multi-axle vehicle by specialist haulier RRS, and transported to their final location at the new Gremista Grid Supply Point (GSP).
They travelled in convoy from the harbour to the substation at a reduced speed due to their size.
“The arrival of these transformers is a significant step forwards in our new Gremista Grid Supply Point and wider Gremista connection project, which will strengthen the energy infrastructure here in Shetland,” said Mark Kelly, deputy project director for SSEN Transmission.
“While the journey between the harbour and the final location for the transformers was relatively short, we worked closely with our contractor Morgan Sindall Infrastructure to carefully plan for their safe arrival to Gremista with minimum disruption.
“We thank the local community for their continued patience while we work to complete this project and will keep them informed as this project progresses.”
Morgan Sindall managing director Peter Kirk said “careful collaboration” was crucial to the operation’s success.
SSEN Transmission’s Gremista to Kergord connection project involves creating a 22km connection between the new Gremista GSP and the Kergord substation, which was completed in 2024 as part of the Shetland HVDC link, using a combination of overhead line and underground cabling.
Once complete, the Kergord-Gremista link will provide a connection to Shetland’s local electricity distribution network, connecting the islands to the GB energy system for the first time and helping to secure Shetland’s future electricity supply.
The Kergord-Gremista link is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with Shetland fully connected to the mainland national grid following the commissioning, testing and energisation of SSEN Distribution’s standby solution in the first half of 2026.
From that point Lerwick Power Station is expected to go into standby mode, with a new battery storage facility – due to be located next to the Gremista GSP – on hand to keep Shetland’s lights on in the event of an outage on the HVDC link while the power station returns to full operation.
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