The Bam Siemens Energy Joint Venture (JV), acting as SSEN Transmission’s principal contractor, has started construction on the Finstown Substation in Orkney. This substation is a cornerstone of the $1.14 billion Orkney-Caithness 220 kV Subsea Link project, which will connect Orkney to Great Britain’s electricity transmission network for the first time.

The project, part of SSEN Transmission’s $22.8 billion Pathway to 2030 programme, aims to integrate up to 220 MW of renewable electricity into the national grid, supporting the UK’s energy security and net-zero goals. It includes installing 14 km of underground cable from Warebeth, west of Stromness, and 53 km of subsea cable to the Dounreay Substation in Caithness.

A groundbreaking ceremony at Finstown marked the project’s progress, attended by representatives from SSEN Transmission, Bam Nuttall, and Siemens Energy. Alan Redman, SSEN Transmission’s lead project manager, emphasized the significance of the project in advancing renewable energy integration and addressing climate change.

Construction at Finstown will initially focus on setting up temporary workforce facilities and conducting extensive earthworks. Meanwhile, work at Dounreay began in summer 2024, with the entire project expected to be operational by 2028.

Huw Jones, Bam Nuttall executive director, highlighted the project’s importance for energy supply security, grid decarbonization, and its lasting impact on the local community. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs across Scotland and the UK while contributing to sustainable energy goals.

Source: newcivilengineer.com