Consultations launched to replace three north isles submarine electricity cables

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is hosting a series of pre-application consultation events in Orkney to discuss the replacement of three north isles submarine electricity cables.

The cables, which together measure 28km in length, are approaching the end of their operational life. The aim of the consultations is to identify the best value method to replace the electricity submarine cables to maintain a safe and secure supply of electricity that meets the needs of island communities.

The cable landfalls are at:

• Carness Bay (Mainland Orkney) to Point of Dishan (Shapinsay)
• Bay of Linton (Shapinsay) to Bay of Holland (Stronsay) across the Stronsay Firth
• Near Holm of Scockness (Rousay) to Point of Huro (Westray) across the Westray Firth

The meetings will provide an overview of the different cables and possible methods for their replacement. This will allow the public and statutory bodies to feed back their preferences on the route corridors, the installation methods and to highlight any potential impacts which should be taken into consideration.

This consultation is only about the replacement of submarine cables at distribution voltages that currently serve Orkney. It doesn’t relate to the potential future development of a transmission cable, the arrangements for which would be the subject of separate consultation by SHEPD’s sister business, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission.

Kirstine Wood, Stakeholder Manager, said: “The three electricity submarine cables we are replacing are coming to the end of their lifecycle. As part of the engagement process we want to receive comments and insight from the public and statutory bodies to ensure their views and opinions influence the final recommendations we will submit to energy regulator Ofgem and Marine Scotland.”

The events are taking place this week at:

The work to begin the installation of the new cables is due to begin in Spring 2017.