SSE Renewables has been announced as the Host Port sponsor of Tall Ships Lerwick 2023 – strengthening the company's community links in Shetland as it continues to develop the Viking Energy Wind Farm.

When completed the project will be the UK's most productive onshore wind farm, harnessing Shetland's excellent wind resource to generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 475,000 homes.

The Tall Ships fleet which will sail into Lerwick next summer will make use of that same renewable wind resource. Shetland Tall Ships Ltd project manager Emma Miller believes the collaboration between the two organisations is fitting and is delighted with SSE Renewables' support.

She said: "SSE Renewables and Viking Energy will use Shetland's exceptional wind power to generate an incredible amount of clean energy once the wind farm is operational. It seems fitting that the Tall Ships event is sponsored by a company that, like the incredible ships that will visit Lerwick next year, will make such effective use of the wind resource.

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"There is a growing sense of excitement in Shetland and further afield as the Countdown to Lerwick 2023 begins in earnest. Today's announcement adds to that anticipation and SSE Renewables' support will be invaluable as we drive ahead with our planning. This news really does put wind in our sails."

SSE Renewables' Viking Energy Wind Farm project is powering a green economic recovery in Shetland, with the company investing circa £580m in the ambitious scheme.

Construction is well under way supporting Shetland, Scotland, and wider UK supply chains. At peak construction a combined Viking Energy and SSE Networks – Transmission workforce of over 500 will be employed in Shetland building the wind farm and the related Shetland HVDC transmission link.

SSE Renewables welcomed the opportunity to support the high-profile event which promises to be a celebration of sailing, friendship and community and includes sponsorship of the main stage at the Tall Ships' event site.

Viking Energy's Community Engagement Manager, Julie Graham, said: "SSE Renewables and Viking Energy Wind Farm are proud to be a Host Port sponsor of Tall Ships Lerwick 2023. It is great to be part of such an amazing event that will bring people from all over the isles together along with visitors and crews from many different countries. We look forward to playing an important role in making this event a huge success in a year's time.

"With both tall ships and wind turbines using the wind to power their blades and sails, there is a natural synergy between what we are building here in Shetland and the amazing vessels that will be taking part in the Tall Ships race."