Info!
UPDATED 1 Sept: The EI library in London is temporarily closed to the public, as a precautionary measure in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The Knowledge Service will still be answering email queries via email , or via live chats during working hours (09:15-17:00 GMT). Our e-library is always open for members here: eLibrary , for full-text access to over 200 e-books and millions of articles. Thank you for your patience.

New HVDC interconnector to link Shetland to UK grid

Decorative image New

Hitachi ABB Power Grids has won an order from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission to enable what is said to be Europe’s first multi-terminal high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection.

The link, which will connect Shetland to the UK transmission system for the first time, will help transmit wind power generated on the islands and enhance security of power supply.

Hitachi ABB says it will deliver and commission an HVDC system, facilitating a multi-terminal link and providing flexibility to transfer power in multiple directions, based on supply and demand, with minimal power losses.

The system will convert the harnessed wind power from AC to DC at an HVDC converter station. This power will then be transmitted via underground and subsea cables to an HVDC switching station at Caithness, in the north of Scotland. It will then be transferred via the Caithness Moray HVDC link, before being converted back to AC for onward transmission to meet electricity demand in the north of Scotland and beyond.

The HVDC connection will play a key role in the development of Shetland’s renewable energy potential by connecting it to what will be the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. Scheduled for completion in 2024, the system is enabled for future connections and integration of more renewables, says the company.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids pioneered HVDC technology more than 65 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects, says the company.  

Photo: Hitachi ABB Power Grids

News Item details


Journal title: Energy World

Region: Europe

Organisation: Scottish and Southern Energy Plc|Hitachi

Subjects: Electricity transmission, Interconnectors

Please login to save this item