A groundbreaking wind farm and subsea cable have connected Shetland to the UK grid, powering 500,000 homes and boosting clean energy efforts.
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| A major investment in clean energy infrastructure has connected Shetland to the UK grid, benefiting both the islands and the nation. Image: Collected |
London, UK– August 29, 2024:
A groundbreaking achievement in clean energy has been realized in the UK as the Shetland Islands have been connected to the national electricity grid for the first time. The completion of a wind farm and a 260km subsea transmission link marks a significant milestone in the country's transition to renewable energy.
SSE, the energy giant behind the project, has hailed the accomplishment as a "groundbreaking achievement for clean energy in the UK." The 103-turbine Viking Wind Farm, with an installed capacity of 443 megawatts (MW), is expected to produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes annually.
The subsea cable, a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link, will enable the energy generated in the Shetland Isles to flow to the rest of the UK. Additionally, it will allow for electricity to be sent back to Shetland, ensuring a reliable supply for the islands.
The two projects represent a £1 billion investment by SSE as part of their £20.5 billion commitment to UK clean energy infrastructure by 2027.
First Minister John Swinney expressed his enthusiasm for the development, stating, "The completion of these projects is a significant step in unlocking the green energy potential of the Shetland islands. These developments will not only aid us in our efforts to decarbonize our energy system but also help to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the local area."