SSE, a renewable energy firm in the UK and Ireland, has made final investment decision for the £580m Viking wind farm in Shetland, UK.

The 443MW Viking wind farm, which is a joint venture between the Shetland community and SSE, was granted consent in April 2012.

Featuring 103 turbines, the Viking wind project is due to become the largest of its kind in the UK in terms of annual electricity output.

Expected to generate around 1.9TWh annually, the wind farm will contribute to the UK and Scotland’s net-zero targets.

SSE Renewables managing director Jim Smith said: “Viking wind farm will help kickstart the green economic recovery, bringing much needed low-carbon investment to Shetland.

“In doing so, it will trigger the building of the associated transmission connection to the islands, which will itself help resolve longstanding security of supply issues on the island.”

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SSE is due to receive approval from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) for the 600MW transmission connection from Shetland to the GB mainland in July 2020.
The transmission line is said to be critical for Viking wind project to proceed,

Scottish Government Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The Viking wind farm project is also a great symbol for the green recovery that the Scottish Government is determined to foster and encourage, as we move through and beyond the current Coronavirus pandemic.

“This decision is of sufficient scale to act as the trigger to unlock the much anticipated major investment in a high voltage connection from Shetland to mainland Scotland, subject to a final decision by Ofgem which we expect shortly.

“I am determined that this excellent outcome should be a starting point for similar investments and connections to unlock equivalent potential and benefits on the Western Isles and in Orkney.”

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The Viking wind farm in the Shetland, UK will feature 103 turbines. (Credit: Viking Energy)