Further step forward for new SSEN Highland electricity power line
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
As part of a £400 million project power giant SSEN is seeking permission for a 110km power line between Skye and Fort Augustus.
This is to replace an existing overhead transmission line it says is nearing the end of its working life.
This week power watchdog body Ofgem approved SSEN's Final Needs Case for the project, effectively agreeing with the vie that the work proposed is necessary.
A report states: "We are satisfied that there is sufficient evidence of a clear needs case for the Skye project on the basis that there is the need for asset intervention and that new generation has shown enough progress to warrant adding additional capacity to the Skye circuit."
The scope of the project includes 110km of new build 132kV overhead line between Fort Augustus and Edinbane and 24km of new build 132kV underground cables with associated sealing end compounds.
A further 24km of 132kV overhead line will be built between Edinbane and Ardmore substations and a new switching station will be built at the existing Broadford substation.
A 132kV switching station will also be built at the existing Edinbane substation to connect to the current and planned additional infrastructure.
The project ultimately needs the approval of Scottish ministers before it can proceed but earlier this year was given the nod by Highland Council.
As one of the statutory consultees, at a joint meeting of its south and north planning committees in March this year members agreed not to object to the plan, though planning experts and local councillors agreed they could only support one specific route through Kyle Rhea, setting it at odds with NatureScot.
While welcoming the investment councillors also expressed sadness at the impact on the landscape.
Councillor Drew Millar said: “Although it’s probably a necessary evil, there’s no doubt the visual impact will be huge.”
NatureScot has objected to the new overhead line, which cuts through no fewer than 10 special landscape areas.
So too have both Highland Council’s forestry officer and Scottish Woodland Trust.
Scottish ministers will now have to weigh up the benefits and risks before reaching a decision.
SSEN Transmission welcomed the council’s decision to support its application which it said is essential to maintain network reliability and security of supply to thousands of homes and businesses.
A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said at the time: “As well as maintaining network reliability in the local area and in the Western Isles, the replacement line will also enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation along its route, supporting the transition to net zero and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.
“We now look forward to the Scottish Government’s determination of our Section 37 application and remain committed to work constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of this critical national infrastructure, which is essential to keep the lights on and support the transition to net zero.”
