Bid to unlock Orkney’s renewables potential

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) yesterday submitted to the energy regulator Ofgem a “Final Needs Case” for a subsea cable transmission link from Orkney to the Scottish mainland.

SSEN, which operates under licenceasscottishhydroelectric Transmission, said “network reinforcement” was required to enable renewable generation seeking to connect on Orkney access to the mainland market, “allowing Ork- ney to unlock its vast renewables potential”.

Dave Gardner, SSEN’S director of transmission, said: “After several proposals to provide a transmission reinforcement to Orkney, submitting our Needs Case to Ofgem for regulatory approval is an important milestone.”

He added: “We strongly believe our proposals for Orkney represent a strong and compelling economic case for reinforcement and the best possible opportunity to unlock Orkney’s renewable potential.”