SSE completes Viking Wind Farm to boost UK’s renewable energy capacity

SSE Renewables has marked a historic milestone in the UK’s transition to sustainable energy with the full operation of the Viking Wind Farm in Shetland. The 443-megawatt (MW) wind farm, featuring 103 Vestas turbines, is now the most productive onshore wind farm in the UK, capable of generating approximately 1.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity annually. This output is enough to power nearly 500,000 homes and significantly boosts the UK’s renewable energy capacity, surpassing the 30-gigawatt (GW) mark for combined onshore and offshore wind power.

Unprecedented Investment and Economic Impact

The Viking Wind Farm is a key element of SSE’s broader £20.5 billion commitment to clean energy infrastructure in the UK by 2027, which represents one of the largest private investments in the sector. The farm, alongside the newly completed 260-kilometer subsea transmission link by SSEN Transmission, constitutes over £1 billion of this investment. This subsea cable is a groundbreaking development, providing the first electrical connection between Shetland and the GB mainland. It enhances energy security and supports Shetland’s transition to renewable energy sources.

The construction of the Viking Wind Farm generated approximately 650 jobs and contributed £125 million to the local economy. The project’s ongoing operations are expected to sustain 35 permanent jobs and have a long-term economic impact through the Viking Community Fund. Valued at over £72 million, this fund will support various local initiatives, focusing on youth programs, housing, and transportation. The fund is the largest of its kind for a single renewable project in Great Britain, reinforcing SSE’s commitment to community development.

Strategic Significance for the UK’s Net-Zero Goals

The Viking Wind Farm’s completion is crucial to the UK’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, emphasised how the project unlocks Shetland’s green energy potential while helping to decarbonise the energy system and stimulate sustainable economic growth locally. The project is part of an ambitious plan to double Scotland’s onshore wind capacity by 2030, making such developments vital for future energy needs.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband also highlighted the importance of Viking in reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuel markets and enhancing energy independence. He described the project as a model for future onshore wind developments necessary for meeting the UK’s clean power goals by 2030.

Engineering Feat and Future Implications

The 260-kilometer subsea transmission link connecting Shetland to the mainland, installed by SSEN Transmission using the specialised cable-laying vessel NKT Victoria, is a significant engineering achievement. The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link enables electricity generated in Shetland to be supplied to the rest of the UK, providing a new renewable energy source while ensuring a reliable supply back to the islands. This development will play a pivotal role in the UK’s clean energy system, supporting a sustainable future and driving further decarbonisation efforts.

Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar & Battery (GB & Ireland) at SSE Renewables, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this stage, stating that the project is now capable of powering nearly half a million homes, highlighting the immense potential of Shetland’s wind energy resources. Nils de Baar, President of Vestas Northern and Central Europe, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project’s long-term value in creating green jobs and supporting the local economy.

A Significant Step for the UK’s Renewable Energy Goals

With the completion of the Viking Wind Farm, the UK’s combined onshore and offshore wind capacity has now exceeded 30GW, which is enough to meet the annual power needs of 26 million homes and reduce carbon emissions by more than 35 million tonnes per year. This development demonstrates a robust commitment to expanding renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints as the UK moves forward with its decarbonisation targets.

The Viking Wind Farm and the Shetland subsea link are more than just energy projects; they symbolize the UK’s commitment to a sustainable future. These developments mark a significant achievement in the renewable energy sector, aligning with the UK’s goal to become a global leader in clean energy. As the UK progresses on its journey to net-zero, projects like Viking will be crucial in shaping a greener, more resilient energy landscape.

The combined efforts of SSE Renewables and SSEN Transmission in this landmark project highlight how strategic investments in renewable energy infrastructure can bring far-reaching benefits for communities, economies, and the environment.