THE project to connect Shetland’s local electricity network to the national grid has marked a milestone following the arrival of two new transformers, SSEN Transmission has announced.
The two transformers, which represent the largest components in the project and weigh around 59 tonnes, are key electrical components in the ongoing Gremista electricity connection project and were successfully delivered to the project team – which includes SSEN Transmission, RRS, Tironi, and Morgan Sindall Infrastructure.
Once fully installed, the transformers will ensure the site’s ability to handle current and future electricity demand, helping to enable and manage the flow of energy through the substation and helping to make the network more reliable and efficient
The two units arrived in Lerwick Harbour’s Greenhead Base and were loaded onto a multi-axle vehicle by specialist haulier RRS before being transported to their final location at the new Gremista Grid Supply Point (GSP).
The transformers travelled in convoy from the harbour to the substation at a reduced speed due to their size and to ensure their safe delivery.
SSEN Transmission’s Gremista to Kergord connection project involves creating a 22km connection between the new Gremista GSP and the Kergord Substation, which was completed in 2024 as part of the Shetland HVDC link, using a combination of overhead line and underground cabling.
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 Kergord-Gremista link is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with Shetland fully connected to the mainland national grid following the commissioning, testing and energisation of SSEN Distribution’s standby solution in the first half of 2026.
Mark Kelly, deputy project director for SSEN Transmission, said, “The arrival of these transformers is a significant step forwards in our new Gremista Grid Supply Point and wider Gremista Connection project, which will strengthen the energy infrastructure here in Shetland.
“Once this link is complete, it will form the crucial land connection between the Shetland HVDC Link to the GB mainland and the local Shetland grid supply point here at Gremista, connecting Shetland to the GB energy system for the first time. This will enable the supply of clean power to homes and businesses, including at times when local generation on Shetland’s electricity distribution network does not meet demand.
“While the journey between the harbour and the final location for the transformers was relatively short, we worked closely with our contractor Morgan Sindall Infrastructure to carefully plan for their safe arrival to Gremista with minimum disruption.
“We thank the local community for their continued patience while we work to complete this project and will keep them informed as this project progresses.”
Peter Kirk, MD of energy for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, commented, “The operation’s success was only possible because of the careful collaboration between the SSEN Transmission, RRS, Tironi and Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, to coordinate the transportation of the transformers, and safely manoeuvre them into position at the Gremista Grid Supply Point.
“These transformers will enable local renewable energy to flow to the islands’ homes and businesses by connecting people, places and communities through innovative and responsible infrastructure.”
