SSE has published the response to its 'Connecting Orkney – Electricity Network Reinforcement' consultation which took place earlier this year. The consultation asked for views from a number of stakeholders regarding the electricity network on Orkney, as well as options for reinforcement.

Outlining potential options for network reinforcement, there was widespread support of finding a solution to the region's issues. Some 63% of responses were found to be in favour of a new distribution link, while 71% were in favour of either a distribution, transmission, or both, being developed. 48% felt there was a special case for adopting a different approach for connecting emerging technology, such as wave or tidal.

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David Gardner, Director of Transmission, commented: "There is widespread recognition that no single party can resolve the outstanding issues. We are already actively working with Orkney Islands Council, the UK and Scottish Government, the regulator and other interested parties to help overcome the issues that continue to stand in the way of developing a transmission link to Orkney.

"We have had significant notes of interest from developers of onshore wind which could help to support the case for a link and we will progress discussions with developers and Orkney Islands Council regarding this."

Stuart Hogarth, Director of Distribution, added: "Whilst it is clear that a single distribution reinforcement would not provide an overall solution, we will continue to work with government, Orkney Islands Council and developers to look at funding options."

(JP/IT)