SSEN Transmission has announced that Norpower is set to begin work on the new overhead line section of the Kergord-Gremista link project, with installation works starting this week in the area south of Sandwater.

The overhead line section of the Kergord-Gremista link project stretches across 12km and will link in to two sections of underground cable at each end which will complete the full connection.

Once complete, the Kergord-Gremista link will provide a connection to Shetland's local electricity distribution network, connecting the islands to the GB energy system for the first time and helping to secure Shetland's future electricity supply.

The full link involves creating a 22km connection between the new Gremista Grid Supply Point (GSP) and the Kergord Substation, which is currently under construction as part of the Shetland HVDC link, using a combination of overhead line and underground cabling.

The 22km link consists of 4km of underground cabling from Gremista GSP which connects to the south end of the overhead line, before undergrounding again near Sandwater House for around 5km towards its termination point at Kergord substation.

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Logistical works for the overhead line – the second phase of the wider connection project – have recently started, with materials being delivered to site from local storage areas via helicopter in recent weeks.  Using helicopters in this way minimises the impact on the local environment and avoids the need for temporary access tracks in sensitive areas of peat.

Work on the first section of undergrounding by principal contractor Omexom-Morgan Sindall Infrastructure (OMSI) commenced in July and is progressing well between Kergord Substation and Sandwater House, with enabling works and access tracks being created to support the underground cable installation. The ducting for the underground cable will begin later this year, allowing for the installation of the full underground cable next year.

Work on the remaining phase, the Gremista section of underground cable, is due to begin in September with enabling works and access tracks being created to support the underground cable installation.

Separately, OMSI is also preparing to mobilise for the construction of the Grid Supply Point at Gremista, where SSEN Transmission will install the new grid transformers and control buildings.

Grant Smith, Lead Project Manager at SSEN Transmission said: "Progress on the Kergord to Gremista Connection link has been going well, with the initial enabling work for the first underground section of cable between Kergord and Sandwater off to a good start last month.

"We're now turning to begin work on the installation of the overhead line section of the route, which will span 12km end-to-end from the two underground sections of the line.

"To help ensure our impact on the sensitive peatland habitats is kept to a minimum, we have been using helicopters to fly in materials to site locations which has significantly reduced the requirement for heavy machinery on the ground.

"We've been working closely with the local community to keep them informed of this project, and every effort to minimise any impact during construction will be made. As a stakeholder-led business we'll continue to keep them informed as the project develops."