British utility Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has submitted a strategic wider works (SWW) final needs case to the United Kingdom energy regulator Ofgem for the 600 MW subsea transmission Shetland Link power transmission project. Once built, the high voltage direct current (HVDC) power line will connect Kergord on the Shetland Isles to Caithness on the Scottish mainland (UK), connecting into the Caithness-Moray transmission line currently under construction. The construction start for the 600 MW Shetland line is expected for 2020 and the commissioning of the project for 2024.
Remote islands such as the Shetlands are allowed to compete in the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction in May 2019. The commissioning of the project would be a key requirement to the success of Shetland renewable developers in the upcoming CfD auction. The Shetland Islands are currently not connected to the main Great Britain transmission system and operate as an island network, while local needs are met from local power generation. There is no new available capacity to connect new power generation on the islands and a link to the mainland is required to enable the development of future renewable projects.