500,000 homes to benefit as UK’s Shetland wind farm gets connected to grid

The Shetland Islands have been connected to the Great Britain (GB) electricity grid for the first time. This achievement marks a major milestone for the United Kingdom’s clean energy ambitions. It has been realized through two pioneering projects: the Viking Wind Farm and a 161.6 miles (260-kilometer) subsea transmission link.

As the windiest region in the UK, Shetland is uniquely positioned to harness wind energy, making it a leading contributor to the nation’s wind energy production.

These initiatives underscore the UK’s commitment to enhancing its renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions.

The Viking Wind Farm, developed by SSE Renewables, is set to become the most productive onshore wind farm in the UK. Equipped with 103 Vestas turbines, the farm boasts an installed capacity of 443MW, expected to generate around 1.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity annually.

This output is substantial enough to power nearly 500,000 homes each year, marking a significant increase in the UK’s clean energy capacity. As the UK’s most productive onshore wind farm, Viking represents a crucial step toward achieving the nation’s renewable energy goals.

Subsea transmission: Linking Shetland to the mainland

The second cornerstone of this achievement is the 260-kilometer subsea transmission link, which transports electricity generated by the Viking Wind Farm from Shetland to the GB mainland. Installed by SSEN Transmission, this high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link was laid in three campaigns using the specialized cable-laying vessel NKT Victoria.

The link connects a new converter station at Kergord in Shetland to a switching station at Noss Head on the Scottish mainland. This connection marks the first time that electricity generated in Shetland can flow directly to the rest of the UK, bolstering energy security and providing a reliable supply of renewable energy.

The completion of the Viking Wind Farm and the subsea transmission link represents a substantial £1 billion investment by SSE. This is part of SSE’s broader $25.6 billion (£20.5 billion) commitment to UK clean energy infrastructure by 2027, one of the largest private investments in clean energy the country has ever seen.

The success of these projects demonstrates the significant impact that private sector investments can have on advancing the UK’s renewable energy capabilities.

Unlocking Shetland’s green energy potential

The subsea cable does more than just transport electricity. It also unlocks the green energy potential of the Shetland Islands.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, emphasized the importance of this 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 help to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the local area.”

This connection allows clean energy generated in Shetland to flow to the mainland, providing a new source of renewable energy for the UK and ensuring a reliable supply of electricity for the islands. It also positions Shetland as a key player in the UK’s renewable energy landscape.

The role of Viking in the UK’s clean energy mission

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the vital role Viking will play in the UK’s clean energy mission, stating, “By Switching on Viking, hundreds of thousands of homes in the Shetlands and right across the country will benefit from cheap, homegrown energy, and this project has created jobs and growth for local communities.”

The Viking Wind Farm and the subsea link are not just about generating clean energy. They are also focused on creating sustainable economic opportunities and ensuring energy independence for the UK.

The Viking Wind Farm and the HVDC link have already made a significant impact on the local economy and employment in Shetland. During peak construction, these projects supported around 650 jobs and contributed $156.3 million (£125 million) to the Shetland economy.

The ongoing operations of the Viking Wind Farm will continue to support 35 permanent roles and are expected to contribute over $87.6 million (£70 million) to the local economy over the lifetime of the wind farm. These economic benefits are a testament to the positive impact that large-scale renewable energy projects can have on local communities.

Community benefits: The Viking community fund

Beyond economic gains, the Viking Wind Farm has also brought significant community benefits through the Viking Community Fund. Managed by community representatives, this fund is the largest for a single renewable project in Great Britain, totaling over $91.3 million (£72 million).

The fund focuses on priority areas identified by Shetland residents, such as youth programs, housing, and transportation, and has already supported nearly 200 local projects. This fund ensures that the benefits of the Viking Wind Farm are felt throughout the community, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The Viking Wind Farm is a critical addition to the UK’s renewable energy portfolio, increasing the combined onshore and offshore wind capacity to over 30GW—enough to meet the annual power needs of 26 million homes. This milestone is a clear indicator of the UK’s commitment to transitioning to a clean energy future.

Alistair Phillips-Davies, SSE Chief Executive, remarked , “Delivery of both the Viking Wind Farm and Shetland HVDC Transmission link are big engineering achievements and together represent a major milestone on the UK’s path to a clean energy system.”

Shetland’s role in the UK’s energy future

With the completion of these projects, the Shetland Islands are poised to play a crucial role in the UK’s renewable energy landscape.

Dan McGrail, Renewable UK Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of the Viking project, noting, “When the Viking project was first conceived nearly twenty years ago, the UK’s wind capacity stood at less than five gigawatts, and turbines were around 75% less efficient than they are now.”