Joint venture partners BAM and Siemens Energy, together with SSEN Transmission representatives, have come together to mark the official start of construction in Orkney of the £900m Orkney-Caithness 220 kV Subsea Link project.

The work will deliver a new electricity substation, which will help connect Orkney to the GB electricity transmission network for the first time.

The subsea link will see the installation of a new high voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable between Orkney and the Scottish mainland, enabling the connection of up to 220 MW of new renewable electricity to the national grid.

Breaking ground at Finstown Substation is a major step forward for the project, with the facility set to serve as the main transmission electricity hub in the islands.

In addition to the Finstown Substation in Orkney, the project will also see the installation of around 14 km of underground cable to where it makes landfall at Warebeth, west of Stromness, and 53 km of subsea cable, which will connect into a new substation at Dounreay in Caithness where connection will be made to the GB electricity transmission network.

With construction now under way at Finstown, the contractors are beginning with enabling works for the site, such as setting up the temporary welfare compound for their workforce and SSEN Transmission staff before moving on to start earthworks in the area.

Work on the new Dounreay West Substation where the subsea cable will make landfall at the Scottish mainland began in the summer, and full energisation of the project is anticipated in 2028.

Huw Jones, executive director BAM Nuttall, said: ‘We’re excited to see this significantly important project take shape and to be working closely alongside our partners to deliver this critical piece of infrastructure.

“A project, which will help to safeguard our future energy supply and decarbonise our electricity grid as well as creating a lasting legacy for the local community.’

Alan Redman, SSEN Transmission’s lead project manager, said: ‘Breaking ground at Finstown is a huge moment for the Orkney-Caithness 220kV Subsea Link project and marks a significant step forward in connecting Orkney to the GB transmission network for the first time.

“The link will allow over 220 MW of renewable energy to be connected to the national grid, helping to contribute to the fight against climate change and boost the country’s secure, homegrown power.

“With our contractor also progressing with construction work at Dounreay, we’re making a strong start to the project.

“We’ll do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum and we’ll be sure to keep the community updated as the project progresses.’