Potential for sections of overhead line proposed near Voe to be placed underground, SSEN says
SSEN Transmission is to share updated plans for a number of developments at an upcoming round of consultation events
SSEN is saying there is now potential for “some sections” of overhead power line proposed around the Voe area to be installed underground instead.
It comes after a petition was launched last year by Voe residents concerned about plans for large, 38-metre high pylons which SSEN proposed to link the existing Kergord substation to a proposed new ‘Northern Hub’ in the Toft/Scatsta area.
SSEN said today (Wednesday) that its proposals for a number of Shetland developments have been “refined to balance feedback received from communities with technical and environmental considerations”.
SSEN had previously said an estimated 17.4km of overhead lines using the 38m steel lattice towers could be needed.
It has also renamed the proposed ‘Kergord 2’ substation as the Hamarigrind substation. An early indicative development boundary places the site to the south of Voe, west of the A970 road.
It comes ahead of a series of public consultation events at the end of June and start of July in Mossbank, Voe, Yell, Brae and Hillswick.
One of the largest developments planned is a northern substation hub, which is likely to be sited in the Toft area.
This would connect developments like offshore wind and Statkraft’s Beaw Field and Energy Isles wind farms in Yell, and link in a proposed second HVDC cable which would run between Shetland and the Scottish mainland.
There is a substation planned in Yell, while there are also trident wooden pole overhead lines proposed on the island too.
The consultation events come as SSEN Transmission moves forward with ground investigation activity at Toft, which is a potential site for the Northern Hub.
These are described as “low-impact surveys” to be carried out to help understand site conditions.
Meanwhile, marine surveys will continue to explore potential landfall sites in Braewick and at Minn Islesburgh for the proposed second HVDC cable between Shetland and the Scottish mainland.
David Inge, development portfolio manager at SSEN Transmission, said: “Since our previous consultation events, we have listened carefully to the feedback from local communities and stakeholders, and have made a number of changes to our proposals in response.
“We are now looking forward to sharing these updated plans and continuing the conversation, as we seek further feedback to help shape the final design.
“We remain fully committed to engaging openly with the public and stakeholders throughout the development process, as we work to reduce potential impacts while delivering the infrastructure needed for the future.
“These projects will play a key role in enabling the transport of new renewable energy and strengthening Shetland’s energy security, resilience, and economic opportunities.
“We would encourage anyone with an interest in our plans to attend the upcoming events and speak to our team.”
SSEN Transmission also noted that it has recently submitted proposal of application notices to Shetland Islands Council for the proposed Hamarigrind and Yell substations, which identifies a temporary development boundary for each site.
The company said this boundary does not represent the final footprint for each site, which will continue to be refined through ongoing design work, environmental assessment and stakeholder engagement.
The list of events can be seen below:
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