- Fund among first for communities near new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure
- Marks another step forward in the delivery of over £100m anticipated community benefit funding via major transmission projects
Communities in Caithness are to receive over £335,000 through a new community benefit fund established for SSEN Transmission’s Shetland High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link project.
The 260km subsea link between Shetland and the mainland north of Wick was energised last year, connecting the islands to the GB electricity grid for the first time.
With a total value of £677,250, the Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund will be split equally between projects in Caithness and Shetland, with a total of £338,625 being delivered in each location over the next four years to fund priority projects that have been identified by community groups.
In Caithness, the funding will be split equally between Wick Development Trust and Sinclair’s Bay Trust to deliver community projects. Each Trust has identified several projects in these areas as priorities, including proposals to enhance the local environment. Further discussions will take place to determine which projects receive funding.
The Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund is among SSEN Transmission’s first local funds for communities near to new and upgraded infrastructure, with more local funds expected to follow.
In March, the UK government published new guidance for community benefit funding, which is expected to result in over £100m for communities in the north of Scotland. Substation projects such as the Banniskirk Hub could generate £530,000 in funding, with the 171km of associated overhead line between Spittal and Beauly generating £200,000 per km.
The funding comes as part of SSEN Transmission’s planned investment of at least £22bn in new high voltage onshore and offshore infrastructure supporting national energy security and clean energy ambitions, while creating huge economic opportunities in local communities.
Gary Hughes, SSEN Transmission’s Economic Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to announce that communities in Caithness will receive £338,625 through our Shetland HVDC Link project, which is indicative of the scale of opportunity for communities located near proposed new and upgraded transmission infrastructure.
“We are already seeing the positive impact of community benefit funding that comes alongside our work to upgrade the transmission network, with over £2.2m awarded to projects and initiatives in the north of Scotland so far, including nearly £1m in the Highlands and Islands.
“The Shetland HVDC Link is a landmark development that has connected the islands to the mainland electricity grid for the first time, unlocking Shetland’s clean power potential and making a significant contribution to national clean energy and energy security ambitions
“This fund is another step towards securing its positive legacy, delivering tangible benefits in the communities hosting our infrastructure and improving the quality of life for local people.”
Ian Ross, Director of Sinclair’s Bay Trust, said: “Sinclair’s Bay Trust is delighted to be one of the beneficiaries of the Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund. The funding will make a real difference in our area and will help us achieve our aim to improve the lives of those living, working and visiting the Sinclair’s Bay area.
“We have a range of projects ready to progress that will make the area safer, build our communities and will allow residents and visitors to enjoy being in the area. Having this regular funding available in our area and community opens up opportunities for us to explore and will enable more of our projects to progress quicker.”
Alistair Jack, Chair of Wick Development Trust, said: “Wick Development Trust is delighted to be working with SSEN Transmission, and for having this opportunity to deliver essential community developments and projects within Wick through the Shetland HVDC Link Local Fund.
“A portion of this year’s funding allocation will be used as match funding towards a path restoration project around Wick Riverside, enabling this popular walking, running and cycling path network to be resurfaced and upgraded so that it is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
“Over the next four years, the fund will be used to fully fund smaller community projects, or to be used as match funding towards larger projects that have been identified around Wick through previous or future community consultations.”