SSEN Transmission has announced information events on the planned subsea electricity transmission link between Orkney and Caithness, which will play a crucial role in further unlocking Orkney's vast renewable potential.

The Orkney transmission link will enable the connection of up to 220MW of new renewable electricity and consists of a new substation at Finstown in Orkney, connecting to a new substation at Dounreay in Caithness by subsea cable. All planning consents are in place for the point-to-point connection.

The events in August will be an opportunity for anyone interested in the project to come along and learn more about the plans for transmission link and associated substation development at Finstown, including potential opportunities for local businesses.

Both events will take place at King Street Hall, Kirkwall.

Meet the Buyer Event– Wednesday 9 August, 2pm – 7pm

SSEN Transmission and its contractors will host a ‘Meet the Buyer' event where local businesses and suppliers are welcome to drop in and to discuss potential opportunities to get involved in helping to deliver the project.

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The project has the potential to create local business opportunities, including the following: Accommodation, Car Hire, Catering, Cleaning Services, Fencing, Office Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, Plant Hire, Security, Skip Hire and Taxi Services.

Any local businesses who might be able to provide these services are encouraged to drop in to the event in Kirkwall to find out more. Alongside these potential contract opportunities for Orkney businesses, local job opportunities are also expected when contractors mobilise to site. Work to discharge planning conditions is expected to start later this year in advance of the main construction works, which are set to commence next year.

Meet the Team Event – Thursday 10 August, 2pm – 7pm

The event on Thursday 10 August is an opportunity to meet SSEN Transmission's project team and ask any questions they may have about the proposals.

SSEN Transmission's Community Liaison Manager, Jeni Herbert, is looking forward to working with the community as the Orkney Transmission Link project continues to progress.

"The Orkney Transmission Link has been many years in the making and these events next month are a perfect opportunity for anyone interested in these projects to come along and ask any questions they might have about how the project will be progressed.

"We are particularly keen to hear from local businesses who might be able to offer their services which can help contribute to the delivery of our project and look forward to working closely with them to maximise the benefits of this project to the local economy.

"We look forward to reconnecting with the local community and encourage anyone with an interest in the project to drop in and find out more."