‘Good progress’ on battery storage system installation

“GOOD progress” has been made on the Lerwick battery storage system project over recent months.

Developer Zenobe has completed the structural foundations and cable trough installation works that form a significant part of the site’s infrastructure, located behind the Ocean Kinetics building.

In addition the majority of above-ground equipment, including the battery energy storage system units and AC chopper equipment, has now been delivered and installed.

Zenobe – which has been contracted by SSEN Distribution for the development – said the focus has now shifted to electrical installation works, including the connection of power and communications cabling across the site.

Further installation activities will continue over the coming months as the project progresses towards the next phase of development.

The 68MW development is part of SSEN’s plan to put Lerwick Power Station in standby mode once the isles’ network is connected to the national grid via the subsea HVDC cable, expected later this year.

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The Wartsila batteries – which will be able to absorb excess renewable energy – would help to keep Shetland’s lights on while the power station comes out of standby mode, which could take up to 45 minutes.

In an update this week, Zenobe said the Shetland Standby Project is not currently connected to, or operating on, the electricity network, and construction activities are “not affecting day-to-day network operations”.

Following completion of the electrical installation works, the project will enter a “critical phase of commissioning and testing”, the company added.

“This will involve a comprehensive programme of inspections, functional checks and performance testing to ensure the system operates safely and reliably before being brought into service,” it said.

Zenobe also said it was “delighted” to provide funding via community benefit to a recently Highlands & Islands Climate Hub participatory budgeting event.

Its funding supported four community-led projects, including the Bigton Collective, Bressay outdoor activity group, the Stucca community garden in Hillswick and Wild Skies Shetland.

“Supporting projects such as these forms part of our commitment to delivering lasting benefits for communities alongside the infrastructure we develop,” Zenobe said.