New Overhead Power Lines Proposed for Shetland’s Energy Future

Plans for new overhead power lines in the central and northern regions of Shetland have been unveiled, detailing potential routes that will connect Kergord to Sullom Voe Terminal. These lines, which may feature larger poles than those currently in place between Tingwall and Sandwater, are being referred to as “pylons” by some stakeholders. The proposed routing options have been posted on the Shetland Islands Council’s planning portal in advance of a public consultation event scheduled for October 6, 2024.

Three routing options are available for review. The first option runs from the Kergord/Sandwater area, passes Voe, and then turns west, following the A970 towards Brae before heading to the Voxter and Scatsta area. The second option also runs past Voe but veers north between Brae and Dales Lees Road, concluding near Sullom Voe Terminal. The final option follows a route past Voe and largely aligns with Dales Lees Road. These overhead lines will link to a new 2GW substation hub planned for the Sullom Voe/Scatsta area.

Future Energy Projects Supported by New Infrastructure

This new substation hub is expected to play a crucial role in future energy projects, including a second high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable to the Scottish mainland and offshore wind developments east of Shetland. Additionally, it will support Statkraft’s hydrogen and ammonia initiatives based at Scatsta. The overhead lines will connect this new northern hub to existing power infrastructure at Kergord through a newly constructed substation.

Public consultation will take place at Voe Hall on October 6, 2024, from 15:00 to 19:00. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the routing options and learn about the site selection for the “Kergord 2” substation.

Upcoming Surveys and Additional Consultations

In parallel with the overhead power line project, surveys are set to occur over the next five years for a proposed subsea cable connecting Yell and the north mainland. This connection is intended to facilitate power exports from two wind farms located on Yell: Statkraft’s Energy Isles and Beaw Field. According to documents submitted to Marine Scotland, these marine surveys aim to assess the seabed’s condition and the benthic environment.

While the survey activities will span five years, the total duration of actual work is estimated to be around six months, conducted in distinct campaigns of up to 40 days each year. Public consultation events regarding the Yell connections will also take place next month. These sessions are scheduled for Mossbank Hall on October 7, 2024, from 15:00 to 19:00, and at Burravoe Hall in Yell on October 8, 2024, from 14:45 to 18:45.

Further discussions about the northern substation hub project will occur at the Brae Hall on October 9, 2024, from 15:00 to 19:00. An additional event focused on the second HVDC link is set for Mossbank Hall on November 4, 2024, also between 15:00 and 19:00.

The proposed projects represent significant steps toward enhancing Shetland’s energy infrastructure, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and facilitating future connections to the Scottish mainland.