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Project Overview
We will be upgrading older sections of Overhead Lines (OHL) and key infrastructure, including transformers and substations. This will support the uptake of low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and EV chargers in peoples’ homes, while boosting the resilience of the network to cope with severe weather and storms. Construction to deliver these planned improvements will begin in Spring 2027. We will be working at Finstown, New Hatston, Quanter Ness and St Mary’s.
Finstown
At the centre of this programme is the construction of a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) at Finstown. This new substation will become the main connection point between Orkney’s distribution network and the wider transmission system, providing a more secure and flexible electricity supply for the local community.
Construction of new Finstown GSP
Transforming electricity from 33kV up to 220kV
Installation of new sections of underground 33kV cabling
Reinforcement and upgrading of existing overhead lines
Removal of some overhead line sections
Installation of a new 33kV switch room at Finstown GSP site
New Hatston Primary Substation
A new primary substation is proposed near Hatston Industrial Estate to meet forecast growth in electricity demand in Kirkwall and surrounding areas.
Acquisition of land for a new primary substation site
Construction of a substation housing two 33/11kV transformers
Installation of 33kV and 11kV switchgear
New dual-circuit 33kV underground cabling between Finstown GSP and Hatston
St Mary’s
The St Mary’s Reinforcement project will improve resilience for South Ronaldsay, Burray, Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.
New primary substations at St Mary’s and Grimness
Installation of new 33/11kV transformers and switchgear
Installation of a 2.5MVAr reactor at Grimness
Approximately 20km of new 33kV underground cabling
Cabling works across Churchill Barriers
Quanterness Wind Farm
As part of the wider Orkney network investment programme, a new electricity connection will be delivered to support the Quanterness Windfarm.
This project will strengthen Orkney’s renewable energy infrastructure and allow locally generated clean energy to be safely integrated into the wider electricity network.
Installation of a new 33kV circuit breaker at the Finstown GSP
Approximately 10km of new underground 33kV cabling between Finstown and the Quanterness Windfarm
Installation of a new 33kV switchboard at the windfarm site, including protection and auxiliary equipment
Project Overview
We will be upgrading older sections of Overhead Lines (OHL) and key infrastructure, including transformers and substations. This will support the uptake of low-carbon technologies like heat pumps and EV chargers in peoples’ homes, while boosting the resilience of the network to cope with severe weather and storms. Construction to deliver these planned improvements will begin in Spring 2027. We will be working at Finstown, New Hatston, Quanter Ness and St Mary’s.
Finstown
At the centre of this programme is the construction of a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) at Finstown. This new substation will become the main connection point between Orkney’s distribution network and the wider transmission system, providing a more secure and flexible electricity supply for the local community.
Construction of new Finstown GSP
Transforming electricity from 33kV up to 220kV
Installation of new sections of underground 33kV cabling
Reinforcement and upgrading of existing overhead lines
Removal of some overhead line sections
Installation of a new 33kV switch room at Finstown GSP site
New Hatston Primary Substation
A new primary substation is proposed near Hatston Industrial Estate to meet forecast growth in electricity demand in Kirkwall and surrounding areas.
Acquisition of land for a new primary substation site
Construction of a substation housing two 33/11kV transformers
Installation of 33kV and 11kV switchgear
New dual-circuit 33kV underground cabling between Finstown GSP and Hatston
St Mary’s
The St Mary’s Reinforcement project will improve resilience for South Ronaldsay, Burray, Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.
New primary substations at St Mary’s and Grimness
Installation of new 33/11kV transformers and switchgear
Installation of a 2.5MVAr reactor at Grimness
Approximately 20km of new 33kV underground cabling
Cabling works across Churchill Barriers
Quanterness Wind Farm
As part of the wider Orkney network investment programme, a new electricity connection will be delivered to support the Quanterness Windfarm.
This project will strengthen Orkney’s renewable energy infrastructure and allow locally generated clean energy to be safely integrated into the wider electricity network.
Installation of a new 33kV circuit breaker at the Finstown GSP
Approximately 10km of new underground 33kV cabling between Finstown and the Quanterness Windfarm
Installation of a new 33kV switchboard at the windfarm site, including protection and auxiliary equipment
