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Shetland’s Clean Energy Projects Bring £125 Million Boost to Local Economy

The Shetland Islands are experiencing a transformative economic boost of £125 million due to two major clean energy projects: the Viking Wind Farm and a 260-kilometre subsea HVDC cable. Spearheaded by SSE Renewables and SSEN Transmission, these initiatives have created hundreds of jobs and significantly contributed to the local economy. The Viking Wind Farm, featuring 103 turbines, is set to become one of the largest in the UK, while the HVDC link connects Shetland to the mainland electricity grid for the first time. Beyond immediate economic gains, these projects promise long-term benefits, including a £72 million Viking Community Fund to support local initiatives, positioning Shetland as a key player in the UK’s renewable energy future.

The Shetland Islands are witnessing a significant economic boost thanks to two major clean energy projects spearheaded by SSE Renewables and SSEN Transmission. These projects—the Viking Wind Farm and a 260-kilometre subsea cable—are not only pivotal for Shetland’s renewable energy landscape but also for its local economy, contributing a staggering £125 million.

Viking Wind Farm: A Renewable Powerhouse

The Viking Wind Farm, a landmark project featuring 103 turbines, has injected £80 million into the Shetland economy. This wind farm is set to become one of the largest in the UK, and its impact on the local community is already being felt. During the peak of its construction, the wind farm created 400 jobs, significantly bolstering employment in the region. Moreover, 35 full-time positions have been established to manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of the wind farm, ensuring long-term economic benefits for the area.

image for viking energy wind farm 2 c sse renewables by learn trade skills

Shetland HVDC Link: Connecting Shetland to the Mainland

In addition to the wind farm, a 260-kilometre subsea cable has been laid, connecting Shetland to the Great Britain mainland electricity grid for the first time. This crucial infrastructure project has contributed £45 million to the local economy and created 250 jobs during its construction phase. This connection is a vital step towards integrating Shetland’s renewable energy into the broader UK grid, enhancing energy security and supporting the UK’s net-zero targets.

Long-Term Community Investment

Beyond immediate economic gains, SSE Renewables has established the Viking Community Fund, projected to inject an additional £72 million into the local economy over the wind farm’s lifetime. This fund is designed to support community initiatives, further embedding the benefits of renewable energy projects into the fabric of Shetland’s society.

With the Viking Wind Farm and the Shetland HVDC link set to begin full commercial operations in the coming weeks, the future looks bright for Shetland’s role in the UK’s renewable energy sector.

Relevant Articles for Further Reading

Electric Vehicle Statistics and Rising Demand for Electricians in 2024: This article discusses the growing need for electricians as the EV market expands, highlighting how similar energy projects can boost job creation in local economies. Read more.

The Growing Need for Electricians in the Energy Generation Industry: This post explores the increasing demand for skilled workers in energy generation, which aligns with the employment opportunities created by projects like the Viking Wind Farm. Read more.

Tolga Aramaz

Director at Learn Trade Skills | + posts

Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.

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Shetland’s Clean Energy Projects Bring £125 Million Boost to Local Economy