Nexans has started installing underground cables to connect the Orkney Islands to mainland Britain. This project, known as the "Orkney Link," aims to create vital electricity infrastructure in the region.
Details of the Orkney Link Project
The Orkney Link, developed by SSEN Transmission, includes the construction of a new station in Finstown and the installation of approximately 14 kilometers of underground cable across the Orkney Islands towards Warebeth. Additionally, a 53-kilometer marine cable will be laid to Caithness, where it will connect to a new station at Dounreay.
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In the coming months, 27 cable drums will be relocated to various positions along the route between Finstown and Warebeth. After the drums are positioned, the cable will be slowly pulled from each drum using winch equipment to pass through previously installed ducts.
Other Progress in the Project
Last summer, the cladding work at the Finstown station was completed, and the first building has been fully waterproofed and windproofed. Additionally, Siemens Energy has begun installing electrical equipment, and electrical installation work will continue throughout the next year.
Conor Manning, interim project manager at SSEN Transmission, stated: "This is another important step for the Orkney Link project and a major milestone in bringing this vital infrastructure closer to reality. Over the past two years, our teams and supply chain partners have worked hard to construct the underground cable route and complete the necessary ducting for cable installation."
He continued: "Seeing the first sections of cable now being installed is a clear sign of the progress made. It is also encouraging to see the advancements at the Finstown station, where electrical installation work is ongoing after the completion of the main structures and cladding. These milestones reflect the scale of activities taking place across the project, and we are getting closer to connecting the Orkney Islands to the electricity transmission network of Britain."
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