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Shetland Power Network Reinforcement

Project Location:

Shetland Islands, UK

Client Name:

SSEN

Project Description:

OCU Group is working alongside SSEN Distribution to strengthen and modernise Shetland’s power network as part of a major reinforcement programme. The upgrade increases network capacity, while enabling connection to the new HVDC link – Shetland’s first electrical interconnector with mainland Scotland. Once complete, the scheme will improve long-term energy resilience and support 'Scotland’s Just Transition' to a low-carbon economy. The project involves installing 43km of new underground cabling from Gremista to Shetland’s northern communities.

Key Stats:

  • 43km of 33kV and fibre underground cabling

  • 5 HDD crossings across multiple locations

  • New switching stations at Quoys of Garth and Yell

  • Substation upgrades at Firth and Mid Yell

  • Delivered in one of the UK’s most remote and weather-exposed environments

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Duration

Challenge

  • Limited local supply chain capacity due to remote island location and competing major projects

  • Complex design, permitting and seasonal environmental constraints

  • Outstanding landowner and tenant consents affecting access and scheduling

  • Logistical difficulty transporting plant, people and materials to Shetland and onward to Yell

  • Severe and unpredictable weather disrupting construction, cranage and ferry operations

  • Initial construction planned through sensitive peat land with logistical challenges

Solution

  • Early mobilisation providing programme, SHEQ and logistical leadership

  • Established full OCU operational presence on Shetland, including offices, welfare and compounds

  • Built a Shetland-based management team to maximise social value and local knowledge

  • Strengthened partnerships with local contractors to secure skilled labour

  • Developed robust logistics planning, including buffer stock maintained on-island to mitigate transport delays

  • Close collaboration with SSEN, Shetland Islands Council and local landowners

  • Optimised cable routing by shifting sections from agricultural and sensitive peat land to carriageways, reducing impact, cost and programme risk

Outcome

  • Strong social value delivered through local employment, procurement and community presence

  • Effective coordination with Shetland Islands Council enabling faster resolution of access and traffic challenges

  • Logistical and environmental challenges managed without major disruption

  • Route optimisation delivering measurable reductions in time, cost, environmental footprint and community impact

  • Project on track to support the HVDC link energisation, securing long-term energy resilience for Shetland

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