The link is an important step in helping secure Shetland’s future electricity needs and supporting the islands’ transition to a low carbon energy future, strengthening the long-term security and reliability of electricity supplies for homes, businesses and communities across Shetland.

Spanning 22km, the new 132kV connection provides a secure transmission route between the new Gremista Grid Supply Point (GSP) and Kergord Substation, where the Shetland HVDC Link connects to the island.

The new link provides the infrastructure needed to connect Shetland homes and businesses to the GB national grid for the first time, enabling electricity to be supplied into the local distribution network once all supporting systems are in place. This will enhance security of supply and support future energy demand across the islands.

This new infrastructure supports Shetland’s shift away from its reliance on oil and gas-fired power stations, helping to reduce emissions and improve long-term energy resilience.

While the energisation of the Kergord to Gremista link marks an important construction and commissioning milestone, the link will become fully operational once SSEN Distribution’s Shetland Standby Project comes into service later this year, ensuring a secure and resilient power supply for homes and businesses in all operating conditions.

Alongside strengthening Shetland’s electricity network, the project has delivered significant economic benefits locally. More than £23 million of contracts have been awarded to over 25 Shetland-based businesses, supporting jobs, skills and investment across the islands.

Local firms, including CW Johnson Plant, EWN Plant Ltd and Ness Engineering, have contributed to a wide range of project activities, including civil works, plant and equipment hire, specialist services, logistics, accommodation and transport. 

More than 30 local jobs were created during the lifetime of the project, including local apprenticeships.

The 132kV Kergord to Gremista link has been delivered using a combination of overhead line and underground cabling, with the route carefully designed to balance reliability, environmental protection, cost and visual impact, ensuring the network is built to operate safely and resiliently for decades to come. The project includes an overhead line section as well as underground cable sections linking to Gremista GSP and Kergord Substation.  

Construction was delivered by SSEN Transmission working closely with principal contractors Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Omexom. Innovative construction techniques, including the targeted use of helicopters to transport materials, helped protect sensitive peatland habitats and minimised ground disturbance by reducing the need for temporary access tracks.

At the project’s peak, over 200 people were working on the link, including 50 based locally in Shetland.  

The successful completion of the Kergord to Gremista link follows years of planning, construction and close engagement with local communities, landowners and stakeholders across Shetland.

Mark Kelly, project director for SSEN Transmission, said: “Completing the Kergord to Gremista link is a hugely important milestone for Shetland and for everyone involved in delivering this complex project.

“By connecting into the local electricity distribution network, this new link will support Shetland’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system and represents another clear step away from reliance on oil and gas-fired power stations, with the full transition due later this year.

“We’re also proud of the strong local legacy this project leaves behind, with more than £23 million invested directly in Shetland businesses whose expertise and commitment have been critical to its success.

“We want to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we built this project, which will help support Shetland’s energy future for generations to come.”

David Stacey, energy director – Scotland at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said: “At Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, we’re fully committed to helping to deliver the biggest upgrade of the UK’s national grid in a generation. This is essential to meeting Scotland’s growing energy demand and strengthening resilience in the country’s offshore regions.

“We’re proud to have delivered the Kergord to Gremista link alongside SSEN Transmission, our partners and local suppliers, creating lasting benefits for local communities, businesses and the environment that will live on long after our work on site is complete.”