Planning consent has been granted for the new Lerwick Power Station which will improve electricity supplies on the Shetland Islands.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing announced the new Power Station will replace the existing Lerwick Power Station where some of the present generators are 40 years old. The existing station will be decommissioned following construction and commissioning of the proposed new plant.

During construction the power station will create around 400 jobs.

Mr Ewing said: “While we are working towards vastly increasing our renewable energy, Scotland still needs conventional, clean fossil fuel power to provide a steady supply of electricity. This could be met by new build plant, upgrades to existing plants or a combination of both.

“The Shetland Islands have no connection to the UK National Grid and as such the electricity supply to both domestic and commercial properties is met predominantly by the existing power station.

“The generating capacity of the consented Power Station will be up to 120MWe. This increase in electrical capacity from 67MWe will allow the entire demand of Shetland to be met both now and will allow for future expansion of demand.

“The development is designed to utilise the heat produced during the electricity generating process, which could help Scotland further decarbonise its heating sector.

“I am pleased to see that the number of direct construction employment opportunities generated is expected to be around 400 personnel and also that the development will open up opportunities for the existing Lerwick staff.”