Grid concerns raised with Secretary of State

The chairman of the OIC’s development and infrastructure committee, Councillor James Stockan, has raised concerns over Orkney’s connections to the National Grid during talks in London with the Secretary of State of Scotland, Alistair Carmichael MP.

Councillor Stockan said: “The lack of progress over a new transmission link to mainland Scotland is both worrying and frustrating.

“The case for this grid link is compelling. Our ability to export power needs to be boosted substantially if Orkney, Scotland and the rest of the UK are to benefit fully from our huge renewable energy potential.

“With existing grid capacity fully stretched, the impact on our renewables sector – and wider economy – is all too apparent, with a long-established local business recently going into administration.

“Our discussions with the Secretary of State were constructive and helpful. The main focus was the increasingly urgent case for a major upgrade for Orkney’s all important connections to the National Grid. We put forward a number of options, both for the short and longer term, and we look forward to the Westminster Government’s  response.

“In the short term, we have asked for the Government to support measures for innovative ways to manage power supply and demand in Orkney to make use of our excess electricity.”