SSEN Distribution has announced details of an upcoming multi-million-pound investment in Orkney's local electricity network, aimed at improving supply reliability and increasing grid capacity to support future economic growth and regional electrification.

The programme of works—which will be delivered alongside contract partner Freedom—includes the construction of new substations, the reinforcement and upgrading of existing wooden-pole overhead lines, and the installation of several kilometres of new underground cabling. Engineering work is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2027, with overall completion anticipated around 2030.

The core infrastructure upgrades carry an estimated combined investment of £55 million and comprise three key developments:

New Finstown Grid Supply Point: This facility will serve as the primary connection between Orkney's distribution network and the wider electricity transmission system, where separate upgrades are already well advanced. The development will support clean energy generators on the islands to export more renewable electricity while upgrading the core local network.

St Mary's Reinforcement Work: A combination of new cabling, transformers, and substation investment will improve the reliability and capacity of electricity supplies to South Ronaldsay, Burray, Lamb Holm, and Glims Holm.

-- Advertisement --

New Hatston Primary Substation: Located at New Hatston, this upgraded and enlarged network hub will support the projected growth in electricity demand in and around Kirkwall.

Additionally, a new electricity connection will be delivered for the Quanterness Wind Farm to enable the safe transmission of locally generated clean power to the wider grid. Advanced plans are in place with Orkney Islands Council to combine sections of the Quanterness Wind Farm connection with the Hatston upgrade. This dual approach is designed to maximise cost and delivery efficiencies while limiting disruption to road users.

The upgrades are designed to make Orkney's local network more robust against Scotland's increasingly volatile climate. The added network capacity will ensure sufficient grid allocation for new electric vehicle (EV) chargers and domestic heat pumps, helping households lower both their carbon emissions and utility bills. It will also expand the scope for exporting power from local renewable sources back to the national grid.

Prior to the start of construction, comprehensive surveys are being conducted to confirm the suitability of cable routes and ensure minimal impact on existing infrastructure, land use, and access points. SSEN stated that shared corridors and low-disruption construction methods will be utilised wherever possible to limit land disturbance.

SSEN's engagement team will provide regular progress updates to the local authority and community stakeholders, supplementing the public events already advertised in the local press and on social media.

A degree of roadway excavation will be required during the installation phase. SSEN has committed to working closely with Orkney Islands Council to coordinate traffic management, limit travel delays, and maintain full access for residents, local businesses, and the emergency services.

Charlene Longden, SSEN Distribution's Project Manager for Orkney, said: "We're about to embark on a big upgrade to Orkney's local electricity system. The projects we'll deliver will further improve the resilience and reliability of the local network. They'll support the decarbonisation of Orkney's communities and businesses, while also helping local generators of clean power connect to the wider network and export the energy they produce.

"From the outset of planning for this project, we've worked hard to minimise the impact on the environment and communities while these essential network improvements are delivered. My team and I are ready to respond to queries people may have about what we're planning, and we look forward to answering their questions in due course."