Marine surveys planned for second subsea cable from Shetland

Marine surveys are to be carried out off the coast of Shetland as part of proposals for a second undersea electricity cable to the Scottish mainland.

SSEN Transmission said the Shetland 2 high voltage direct current link would support the development of future renewable energy schemes.

The archipelago's existing undersea cable was completed in 2024 and built to connect the 103-turbine Viking wind farm to the UK's electricity grid.

A spokesperson for the energy company said surveys near Braewick would inform the final design, route and location for the proposed link.

SSEN Transmission said the second link was "in the early stages of development".

The energy company said the plan followed a recommendation by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) for another cable.

Braewick, in the north-west of Shetland, has been identified as a potential "landfall location".

The energy firm said an underground cable would link the coast to a proposed substation hub on the mainland.

David Inge, development portfolio manager from SSEN Transmission, said: "Marine surveys are an important early step in assessing potential landfall locations for the subsea cable."

SSEN Transmission confirmed it had engaged with marine users and stakeholders and said a notice to mariners would be issued.

Public information events were held last year on potential locations for the cable.