SSEN shares initial responses to Sutherland power line feedback amid statement over route alignment
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THE company tasked with constructing a new 400 kV overhead electricity transmission line crossing a large part of Sutherland says "no specific route alignments have been identified".
SSEN Transmission has faced flack from some communities concerned about the extent of consultation on plans for a new line between Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly, including new substations at each of these locations.
Last week, it announced the initial consultation period on its plans – which include a preferred route – is being extended by two weeks until April 14.
It has thanked stakeholders for feedback to date and published an initial response to address some of the key themes which have been identified".
It says a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is currently being prepared to further address the feedback received and a detailed Report on Consultation will also be published, following the consultation period, to explain how feedback has been considered to inform the more detailed network design.
'We are currently seeking feedback on potential route options within approximately 1km wide areas and preferred substation locations, with this feedback helping inform more detailed overhead line route options and our proposed substation site selections, which we will further consult on later this year.' - SSEN spokesman
A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said: “The Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly 400kV project is part of a GB wide programme of works that are required to meet UK and Scottish Government 2030 renewable targets, including unlocking the first phase of the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round.
"In line with the UK Government’s British Energy Security Strategy, these reinforcements will help secure the country’s future energy independence by removing our dependence on, and price exposure to, volatile global wholesale gas markets through accelerating the deployment of homegrown and affordable low carbon electricity generation, and the enabling electricity network infrastructure required to connect and transport this power.
“Whilst delivering this critical national infrastructure by 2030 requires an acceleration of the project development and delivery phases, we remain fully committed to work closely with the local community and wider stakeholders to help inform our design and it is important to note that the project remains in the early stages of development and no specific overhead line route alignments have been identified.
"We are currently seeking feedback on potential route options within approximately 1km wide areas and preferred substation locations, with this feedback helping inform more detailed overhead line route options and our proposed substation site selections, which we will further consult on later this year.
“We would like to thank everyone who has shared their feedback so far, which will be carefully considered as we further refine our plans. Given the extent of interest in the project and in direct response to requests from the community, we have extended the consultation period by two weeks and would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to provide their feedback by Friday, April 14.”
For more information, including the initial response to the consultation feedback received, please visit the dedicated project webpage https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/spittal--loch-buidhe--beauly-400kv-connection/
What is SSEN Transmission?
SSEN Transmission is responsible for the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, investing in and maintaining the high voltage 132kV, 220kV, 275kV and 400kV electricity transmission network.
SSEN Transmission’s strategic objective is to enable the transition to a low carbon economy. It does this by building the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to connect and transport renewable electricity from the north of Scotland to areas of demand, as it delivers a network for net zero emissions.
SSEN Transmission is owned 75 per cent by SSE plc and 25 per cent by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers’).
