Finstown substation
Creating Orkney’s first 232 kV connection
Key Facts
Type of Energy: Grid Connection
Accessibility: Not open to the public
Date: 2026
Grid Reference: 59°00′04″N, 3°08′53″W
In 2026, SSEN Transmission were given approval to build a substation, just ouside Finstown along with the installation of a new export cable from the site to the rest of the high voltage network in Scotland. This is the first time Orkney will have had a 232 kV connection (all the existing network operates at a voltage of 33 kV or below) and is designed to increase the export capacity of the county.
The scheme will collect 220 MW of energy generated by several wind farms across the county and possibly marine energy from Eday.
The substation is due to be energised in 2028 and has been designed to accommodate a second circuit which would double its capacity.
