Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), operating under licence as Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution, plans to lay a seabed power cable between Caithness and Shetland to provide power to the islands, backed up by diesel generators.

At present Shetland is not connected to the mainland GB power grid and is largely reliant on the 67MW oil-fired Lerwick power station for its electricity supply. The plant is 40 years old. Three years ago, Scottish ministers approved plans for a 120MW replacement plant at Lerwick.