MSP discusses grid capacity with energy minister

Issues surrounding electricity grid capacity in Orkney were the subject of a meeting involving local MSP Liam McArthur and Scottish energy minister, Fergus Ewing yesterday, Wednesday.

Mr McArthur had sought the meeting following concerns raised by the announcement from SSE last week that no further connections above 3.7kW would be made to the islands’ grid until certain conditions were met.

Commenting after the meeting, which also involved representatives of Orkney Islands Council, SSE, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Orkney Renewable Energy Forum, Mr McArthur said that options for easing the current constraints were considered, increasing local demand and releasing capacity on the local grid were discussed.

He said: “While nothing final was agreed, I welcome the commitment from SSE to continue working with Scottish Government, OIC and local stakeholders to develop these ideas over the coming weeks.  Given the current uncertainty facing many individuals and communities looking to take forward projects, I have also stressed the importance of improving communication with the public.”