Orkney Link begins underground cable installation
Work has begun on the 14 km underground route across Orkney, the next major phase of the £1 billion, 220 MW link to the mainland GB transmission network.
Orkney Transmission Link
The Orkney Transmission Link will connect the islands to the mainland GB electricity transmission network for the first time. The map shows an approximate alignment within the licensed Warebeth–Dounreay subsea corridor; onshore sections are not mapped.[1][2]
Current position
SSEN’s 29 September update reports roof and wall cladding complete across six buildings at Dounreay West substation, enclosing approximately 20,000 square metres and allowing the next stage of work. This is a building-envelope construction milestone, not electrical commissioning or energisation of the Orkney link.
Benefits
- The project will provide 220 MW of transmission capacity through new substations at Finstown and Dounreay, around 53 km of subsea cable and 14 km of underground cable across Orkney.
Latest developments
Orkney Link completes cladding on six Dounreay West buildings
SSEN’s 29 September update reports roof and wall cladding complete across six buildings at Dounreay West substation, enclosing approximately 20,000 square metres and allowing the next stage of work. This is a building-envelope construction milestone, not electrical commissioning or energisation of the Orkney link.