SSEN Transmission, which runs the electricity network in the north of Scotland, is seeking consent for a 107-mile line of super-pylons through the Highlands.
The Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly project is a key component of SSEN Transmission’s ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme to make the system capable of transmitting low-carbon electricity.
It expects to invest at least £22bn by March 2031, potentially rising to £31.7bn. It represents one of the largest ever private investment programmes in Scotland and will act as a major driver of jobs and economic growth across the country.
The project has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator, Ofgem.
Opponents say the super-pylons and associated infrastructure will irreparable scenic and environmental damage through the Highlands and beyond to Peterhead.
Perth-headquartered SSEN Transmission, which has started a process of consulting stakeholders over its application, said it has carried out one of the biggest public consultation exercises the north of Scotland has ever seen.
Over 50 consultation events and public meetings have taken place to help inform the development of the new proposed overhead line, which also includes three new substations near Spittal (Banniskirk), Loch Buidhe (Carnaig), and Beauly (Fanellan).
New HVDC Convertor Stations are also planned at both Banniskirk and Fanellan which are required as part of the proposed Spittal-Peterhead and Western Isles-Beauly HVDC subsea links.
Alongside the consideration of stakeholder feedback throughout the development phase, SSEN Transmission said it has sought to balance key environmental, technical and economic considerations, in line with its regulatory licence and legislative obligations.
This includes minimising impacts on various environmental constraints, such as designations, and key cultural heritage assets along its route.
Minimising community impacts and seeking to avoid close proximity to residential properties has also been a key priority throughout the development phase.
Alison Hall, director of development for SSEN Transmission, said that upgrading the electricity transmission network is also a major driver of jobs and economic activity, including housing commitments, community benefit funding proposals and workforce expansion plans.“
Throughout the development of the project we have undertaken one of the most extensive public consultations the north of Scotland has even seen, and we would like to thank all stakeholders who have worked with our teams to provide constructive feedback which has been instrumental in helping shape our proposals.
“We now look forward to the Scottish Government’s timely determination of this critical national infrastructure development, in line with its new 52-week determination process for priority applications for electricity transmission infrastructure.”
Economic analysis, which has been independently peer reviewed by leading consultancy, BiGGAR Economics, forecast that, if delivered in full, the potential £31.7bn total investment could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland, including 8,400 in the north of Scotland.?It would also add up to £7bn in value to the Scottish economy, including £3bn in the north of Scotland.
Over £100m of community benefit funding is expected across the north of Scotland, with the proposed overhead line alone expected to deliver around £35m, with each substation and convertor station along its route generating a further £530,000.
SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme is also expected to support the development of at least 1,000 homes across the north of Scotland, 400 of which are expected in the Highlands, creating a legacy in the communities that will host construction workers by delivering housing that will support local need once projects are completed.
Reflecting the significant expansion of the transmission network planned across the north of Scotland, SSEN Transmission continues to grow its workforce, which has increased from around 400 in 2019 to over 2,500 today, with a series of new operational depots planned.
This includes a new depot in the Caithness area, which will support 20 permanent roles in the area, making an important long-term contribution to the local economy and helping reverse population decline in the area.
The Scottish Government will undertake a period of public consultation as part of its determination, with a consent decision expected within 52 weeks.
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