The public will have the chance to learn about a key component of Shetland’s future electrical grid infrastructure after the company behind the plans announced dates for a public exhibition later this month.
Statkraft’s plans for a Greener Grid Park on land by Lower Blackhill Industrial Estate in Lerwick (https://goo.gl/maps/5bQYSJt99McH6p59A) would support the new Shetland Grid Supply Point (GSP) substation, which will see Shetland’s local electricity network connected to the British electricity grid network for the first time.
A public exhibition on the Greener Grid Park will take place at Islesburgh Community Centre (Room 9) from 12.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 22 September.
The development would comprise of battery modules with a capacity of up to 50MW and two synchronous compensators. The Greener Grid Park is planned to be split and located north and south of the GSP and connected into the consented substation development.
To ensure more people can see what is being proposed, Statkraft will also run a virtual event on the project website (www. statkraft.com/lerwick) from 22-29 September with the same information and opportunity to ask questions.
Statkraft has said it is committed to using local skills and supplies where possible, particularly given the engineering expertise and knowledge that exists in Shetland. Additionally, a community benefit fund will be available from the start of construction, throughout the project’s lifetime to support local projects.
Lucy Kent, Senior Project Manager for Statkraft, said:
“I am looking forward to showing members of the public our plans for a Greener Grid Park in Lerwick which will support Shetland’s growing green economy and help keep the lights on in Shetland.”
“We hope as many people as possible will join us in person or through our digital engagement to learn about the technology we are proposing, what it does and how it can form a key part of the future electrical grid infrastructure in Shetland.”
“Members of the project team will be in attendance to answer questions on a range of topics such as environmental planning, safety and security, operations and timescales.”