Viking Wind Farm begins power production, paving way for UK’s most productive onshore wind farm

SSE Renewables has announced a significant achievement in renewable energy development with the first power production at the Viking Wind Farm in Shetland. This event marks a crucial step towards the completion of what is expected to be the UK’s most productive onshore wind farm. With a capacity of 443MW, the wind farm has completed the installation of its final turbine and is now entering the final stages of commissioning.

Milestone Achievements and Future Prospects

The completion of Viking Wind Farm aligns with the nearing full energization of the 260km Shetland High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea cable project by SSEN Transmission. This project, expected to be energized later this summer, will connect Shetland to the GB electricity transmission grid for the first time, enhancing the region’s energy security and supporting extensive renewable generation development and export.

Heather Donald, SSE Renewables‘ Onshore Renewables Development and Construction Director, emphasized the impact of this development: “This latest milestone is another step towards cleaner, more secure, homegrown power for Shetland, Scotland, and the UK as we look to lead the transition to a net zero future.”

The Viking Wind Farm in Shetland is set to become the UK’s most productive onshore wind farm, enhancing renewable energy capabilities and grid connectivity.

Technical Advancements and Community Impact

The Viking Wind Farm, which began construction in autumn 2020, features 103 Vestas turbines, each capable of operating in 4.3MW power mode. When fully operational, the farm will generate around 1.8 TWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power almost half a million typical British homes.

John Scott, SSEN Transmission’s Programme Director, highlighted the broader implications of the project: “The first flow of power from Shetland to the mainland on the Shetland HVDC link is a key moment for the Shetland community. Full energisation… will be crucial in delivering Shetland’s energy security as well as enabling extensive renewable generation development and export.”

Ongoing Developments and Grid Integration

As Viking Wind Farm progresses towards full power and commercial operations in summer 2024, efforts continue to integrate Shetland’s existing electricity distribution network with the transmission network. This includes the construction of a new Grid Supply Point at Gremista and the installation of Kergord-Gremista 132kV overhead lines and underground cable circuits, scheduled for completion in 2025.

The Viking Wind Farm and the associated HVDC project exemplify the significant strides being made in the UK’s renewable energy sector. These projects not only contribute to the UK’s energy transition goals but also demonstrate the potential of integrated projects in enhancing regional energy systems and supporting national net-zero objectives.