The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
New power cable crucial to energy needs for islands
Planning: Electricity firm claims it is most ‘viable’
Plans for a giant power cable linking Shetland to the Scottish mainland are “crucial” to ensure security of the islands’ long-term energy supply.
SSE subsidiary Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) last night described the 200mile interconnector as the most “viable” option following the planned decommissioning of the Lerwick Power Plant in 2025.
The company was reacting to claims by Danish firm BWSC that it could deliver a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant to Shetland at a “fraction of the cable’s costs”.
A local wind energy campaign group, Sustainable Shetland, also disputed the need for the interconnector and SSE’s ability to get a mammoth onshore wind project off the ground.
Plans to build the transmission link at a cost of around £600 million have been provisionally approved by regulator Ofgem.
But final sign-off on the proposal is contingent on developer SSE Renewables providing assurances on the go-ahead of its 103-turbine Viking Onshore Wind Farm, which lost out on a subsidy bid in September.
Ofgem said it needs “sufficient evidence” on the likelihood of plans by the end of the year.
Frank Hay, chairman of Sustainable Shetland, called on Ofgem to “look seriously” at the proposal “in the interests of value for money for consumers”.
He said: “We would certainly dispute that the transmission link is essential for security of supply for Shetland.
“The question then is: Who would benefit from the link? Certainly not the Shetland residents who have opposed large-scale wind farm plans here for many years.
“It looks like the estimated cost of an LNG terminal would be in the region of £60m, which sounds like a good deal.”
SSEN maintained that it would pay the “lion’s share” of the power cable costs.
A spokesman said:
“Our proposal differs as it has the twin advantage of harnessing Shetland’s renewable opportunities and connecting it to the mainland grid.
“It is required to allow the connection and export of renewable electricity from Shetland to the UK, supporting Scotland and the UK’s transition to netzero emissions.
“It will also support Shetland’s future security of supply needs, saving GB consumers £140m based on a rigorous assessment of the cheapest alternative and viable solutions.
“We look forward to the outcome of Ofgem’s consultation and stand ready to deliver the infrastructure to meet Shetland’s future needs.”