Public invited to give views on plans for 400kv power line between Beauly and Peterhead described as 'essential' to deliver renewable energy
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Plans for a major new overhead power line between Beauly and Peterhead will be unveiled at consultation events starting this month.
The proposed project involves a new 400kV overhead line identified by the National Grid as “essential” to deliver targets for offshore wind.
Additional substation infrastructure will also be required, either extensions to existing substations, or new sites.
Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) Transmission is inviting the public to learn more about the
project and share their views at drop-in events across the north of Scotland.
The first one is taking place at Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Tuesday and the final one will be at Kilmorack Hall, near Beauly, on Wednesday, October 5, both from 2-7pm.
Catherine Swan, SSEN Transmission senior development project manager, said the plans were at an early stage and feedback would help with the more detailed routing stage.
“The Beauly to Peterhead project has been identified as essential to support government targets and will be key to unlocking renewable energy generation in the north of Scotland, enabling clean electricity to be transmitted to areas of demand across the county,” she said. “The project will also help deliver against government’s plans to secure energy independence and energy security by enabling the growth in low carbon, homegrown power, reducing the country’s dependence on, and price exposure to, volatile global wholesale gas markets.
“Our plans are still in the early stages of developing and as a stakeholder-led business, we would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to attend one of our consultation events later this month to learn more about the proposals, meet the project team and share feedback for consideration.”
“This feedback will help inform the more detailed routing stage of the development process and we look forward to meeting with interested stakeholders throughout September.”
Big move for new Highland power line
SSEN Transmission expects to consult on a more refined Beauly to Peterhead route selection in spring 2023.
