The public in Shetland is being invited to participate in a series of marine consultation events next week to provide feedback on proposed new subsea electricity transmission connections.

These projects are part of a larger plan to expand transmission capacity, crucial for new offshore renewable power initiatives aimed at enhancing energy security and contributing to national clean energy goals.

The first event, focusing on the Shetland 2 High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link connecting Shetland to the Scottish mainland, will take place on Tuesday, 24 June, at Brae Public Hall from 3:30pm to 7:00pm. Attendees can review indicative subsea cable route options that consider existing fisheries, marine operations, and sites of interest, as well as learn about potential cable landfall locations in the north of mainland Shetland. The Shetland 2 HVDC Link is a second such connection, planned to bring 2 GW of renewable electricity from ScotWind's offshore wind farms to the Great Britain network, supplementing the first Shetland HVDC Link which became operational in 2024.

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Two additional events will gather input on the proposed Yell High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) Connection, which will link the island of Yell to the electricity transmission system on mainland Shetland. The first Yell consultation will be held at Burravoe Public Hall on Yell on Wednesday, 25 June, from 2:00pm to 6:45pm. The second will follow at Voe Public Hall on mainland Shetland on Thursday, 26 June, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. This HVAC connection aims to allow for the supply and export of contracted renewable generation on Yell.

Alan Kelly, Lead Project Manager from SSEN Transmission, emphasized the importance of public engagement: "We are at the early stages of development for the proposed Shetland 2 HVDC Link and Yell HVAC Connection, however we are keen to share our initial plans on the marine elements of each project and invite feedback that can help shape our approach. For each project this means we are inviting views on potential marine cable routes, as well as sharing broad information on landfall locations, so that we can refine our plans in a way that considers public and stakeholder feedback which is a key aspect of our project development process."

SSEN Transmission has already engaged with key groups such as the Shetland Fishermen's Association and Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation, but is keen to hear from other individuals and groups with local marine knowledge, including those involved in fishing and shipping, or dedicated to protecting local wildlife and marine assets.

Kelly added, "By speaking to us, you can help shape our plans ahead of further consultation events that will take place later this year, where we will be able to share more information on each of these important projects."