Kirkwall Power Station

Sitting by the Peedie Sea on the edge of Kirkwall, the power station has played a vital role in Orkney's electricity supply for more than 70 years. Commissioned in 1951, it is now equipped with four diesel engines capable of generating up to 16MW of electricity. Its two distinctive cylindrical fuel tanks remain a prominent feature of the town's skyline.

Today, the station serves as the main back-up for Orkney's two subsea cables linking the islands to mainland Scotland. If either cable is damaged or there are issues with the wider electricity network, the power station can step in to help maintain supplies to homes and businesses across the archipelago.

For islands renowned for pioneering renewable energy technologies, it can seem ironic to hear the hum of the diesel engines on the rare occasions they are called into service. Yet the station remains an essential part of Orkney's energy infrastructure, helping to ensure a reliable electricity supply when it is needed most.

Before Orkney was connected to the national grid in 1982, the power station was the islands' primary source of electricity, powering communities throughout the county. Today, it stands as a reminder of both Orkney's energy past and its continuing commitment to keeping the lights on.