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Scotland's Minister for Just Transition, Richard Lochhead, has visited SSE Renewables' Viking Energy Wind Farm in Shetland to hear how the onshore wind farm will help contribute significantly towards the Scotland's net zero targets.
The Minister was welcomed by representatives from the renewable energy developer along with members of the team from RJ McLeod, the company carrying out the construction of the 103 turbines. Once complete, the 443MW wind farm will be capable of producing enough energy to power the equivalent of almost half a million homes, including every home in Shetland.
The minister was guided through the ongoing work by Head of Onshore Projects, Derek Hastings and heard how the construction of the turbine bases continues at pace, ready for the first wind turning component due to arrive at the Greenhead base in Lerwick in January 2023.
Just Transition Minister Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has the resources, the people and the ambition to become a renewables powerhouse. Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective forms of large-scale electricity generation and also one of the cheapest forms of electricity, making it is vital to Scotland's future energy mix as we transition to a net-zero economy.
"It was great to see how construction at the Viking Wind Farm is providing good, green jobs and, once operational, will deliver long-lasting socio-economic benefits to the local economy - including skills development, permanent jobs and community benefits – helping to ensure a fair and just transition to net zero for Shetland."
SSE Renewables Head of Onshore Projects, Derek Hastings, said:
"Once compete, Viking Wind Farm will be the UK's most productive onshore wind farm as well as one of the most productive onshore wind farms in Europe, and will contribute to Shetland's security of supply by underpinning the HVDC transmission link that will connect the islands to the mainland for the first time.
"The project has continued to support the island's supply chain during delivery, creating around 400 jobs at peak construction with a further 35 full-time local operation and maintenance jobs throughout its life. We're proud to show the Minister the work here and to show how we are contributing to Shetland's transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy."
