SSE has approved a final investment decision for the 103-turbine, 443MW Viking onshore wind farm. Located in Shetland, Viking is wholly owned by SSE Renewables having been developed in partnership with Viking Energy Shetland.
SSE now awaits the outcome of the consultation on Ofgem’s minded-to position to approve a 600MW transmission connection from Shetland to the GB mainland, expected in July 2020. Final approval from Ofgem was conditional on Viking wind farm reaching a positive final investment decision which this announcement confirms. The transmission connection is critical for Viking to proceed.
SSE’s decision is conditional on the outcome of several industry code modifications which are currently in progress. These include the code changes which facilitate the contribution from the Distribution Network Operator, SHEPD, to the cost of the transmission link. Ofgem is expected to publish a decision on these ahead of the decision on the Needs Case.
Construction on the enabling works for the transmission link has started, with works on the wind farm starting late summer. SSE’s capital expenditure on the wind farm is estimated to be around £ 580 million.