Construction begins on the ground-breaking Orkney electricity substation, marking a significant step in connecting Orkney to the Great Britain network.
- Bam-Siemens JV’s groundbreaking ceremony at Finstown Substation kicks off the £900M project.
- The Orkney-Caithness 220kV Subsea Link aims to boost renewable energy integration.
- The project includes a substantial installation of underground and subsea cables.
- It’s part of a larger initiative to enhance electricity transmission and create thousands of jobs.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new electricity substation in Orkney symbolises a pivotal moment in the region’s energy infrastructure development. The partnership between SSEN Transmission and Bam-Siemens JV marks the initiation of a project that will connect Orkney to the Great Britain electricity transmission network for the first time, paving the way for enhanced integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid.
The £900 million Orkney-Caithness 220kV Subsea Link project, which is a key element of the wider Pathway to 2030 investment programme, commenced with the ceremonial turning of the first shovel of earth at the Finstown Substation. This site is destined to become the primary electricity transmission hub for Orkney. The event was attended by representatives from SSEN Transmission, Bam, and Siemens Energy, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in this significant undertaking.
Central to the project is the installation of a high voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable that will link Orkney to the Scottish mainland. This connection is expected to enable the integration of up to 220MW of new renewable electricity, thereby contributing to the United Kingdom’s goals for energy security and climate objectives. The infrastructure involves laying approximately 14km of underground cable reaching its landfall near Stromness, and a 53km subsea cable extending to a new substation at Dounreay in Caithness.
Currently, construction efforts at Finstown are centered on preparing temporary facilities to accommodate workers and SSEN Transmission staff, with extensive earthworks also underway. Meanwhile, work has already commenced at the Dounreay West Substation on the Scottish mainland, with the entire project projected to be fully operational by 2028. Nexans has been commissioned to supply the essential cables for this extensive undertaking.
The Orkney-Caithness Subsea Link forms part of SSEN Transmission’s comprehensive Pathway to 2030 initiative, designed to substantially upgrade electricity transmission across northern Scotland. This broader programme is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, with around 9,000 jobs anticipated in Scotland and 20,000 across the UK. The involvement of early contractors like Balfour Beatty has been credited with driving the Pathway to 2030’s success.
SSEN Transmission’s lead project manager, Alan Redman, expressed enthusiasm at the commencement of works at Finstown, noting that the project represents a major advancement in linking Orkney to the mainland grid. He emphasised the project’s role in connecting over 220MW of renewable energy to the national grid, contributing to the fight against climate change. He also assured the community of efforts to minimise disruption during the project’s progress.
Huw Jones, the Bam Nuttall executive director, expressed excitement about the project’s development, highlighting its importance in securing future energy supply and promoting grid decarbonisation. The initiative is set to not only contribute positively to the UK’s energy landscape but also leave a lasting positive impact on the local community.
The Orkney Substation Project signifies significant progress in renewable energy integration and national grid connectivity.
