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SSEN Transmission submits planning application for new substation in Sutherland





SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application for a new substation in East Sutherland.

The utility company is seeking to build the 400kV Carnaig substation and associated infrastructure on a site immediately to the south of the existing 275kV Loch Buidhe substation.

Substations convert electricity into different voltages and are an important part of the National Grid. Picture:iStock
Substations convert electricity into different voltages and are an important part of the National Grid. Picture:iStock

The site is located approximately 7.7km north-east of Bonar Bridge and in an area of partially logged commercial forestry.

Two new bellmouths and access roads to the proposed development from the public highway are proposed

According to SSEN Transmission, the new substation will cover a total area of around 302,500 square metres, with the site measuring approximately 550m by 550.

The substation project is part of a controversial major upgrade of the electricity transmission system in the north to connect new renewable generation schemes in the north and help meet the UK and Scottish Government climate change target.

The plans also include a new 400kV line between Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly. New substations are also proposed at Spittal and Beauly.

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However, the project has attracted massive opposition due to its scale, with objectors concerned about the impact it will have on the landscape. The substation site lies within the Strath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors Special Protection Area and site of Special Scientific Interest.

SSEN Transmission held a series of public engagement events before submitting the planning application for the substation to Highland Council.

The utility said the substation site had been selected as the “least constrained option from an environmental and engineering perspective.”

An underground cable will connect the new substation to the existing one.

Martin Godwin, community liaison manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “The Carnaig substation is a key element of our proposals for a new 400kV overhead line between Spittal and Beauly, supporting the delivery of the 2030 offshore wind generation targets set by the UK and Scottish Governments.

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“In developing our proposals, we have worked in close consultation with members of the local community and sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective.

“Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is crucial if we are to achieve the country’s energy security and clean power objectives, and it’s also a major driver of jobs and economic activity locally and across the north of Scotland.

“We would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events which have been key in helping shape our proposals. We now look forward to working with the Highland Council and stakeholders as part of the planning submission process.”

Click here to access the planning application on the Highland Council website.

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