Shetland HVDC Link
Shetland to Caithness-Moray Link (British mainland) · 2020–2024 (Operational since August 2024) [1] [2] · £641.8 million (Ofgem approved capital cost) [3]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project connects Shetland to the GB grid for the first time, unlocking significant renewable energy potential from the islands. [2]
Key engineering challenges
Laying a 260km subsea HVDC cable in challenging North Sea conditions. [4] - Integrating the Shetland link into the existing Caithness-Moray Link to form a multi-terminal HVDC network. [5] - Ensuring reliable transmission of renewable energy from Shetland to the GB grid. [1]
Project facts
- Client / owner
- SSEN Transmission
- Lead contractor
- NKT (cables), Hitachi Energy (converter stations) [4] [5]
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 600 MW transmission capacity; approximately 260 km subsea cable [1] [4]
- Disciplines
- electrical; civil; marine; power systems; project management
- Standards & frameworks
- UK grid codes, relevant international standards for HVDC transmission, Ofgem regulatory framework.
Sources: SSEN Transmission: Shetland HVDC Link (https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/shetland/) [1] - New Civil Engineer: Shetland connected to GB grid for first time as 260km offshore link powers up (https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/shetland-connected-to-gb-grid-for-first-time-as-260km-offshore-link-powers-up-29-08-2024/) [2] - Ofgem: Shetland HVDC Link - Project Assessment Decision (https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2021-11/Shetland%20Link%20Project%20Assessment%20Decision%20FINAL.pdf) [3] - NKT: Shetland HVDC Link, UK (https://www.nkt.com/references/shetland-hvdc-link-uk) [4] - Hitachi Energy: Shetland (https://www.hitachienergy.com/news-and-events/customer-stories/shetland) [5]