SSEN Transmission welcomes Highland Council Planning Committee approval for Broadford Substation proposals

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SSEN Transmission welcome's todays decision by the Highland Council North Area Planning Committee to approve proposals for the new Broadford Substation, a key part in the wider Skye 132kV Reinforcement Project.

A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said:

 “We welcome the Highland Council’s North Area Planning Committee’s decision to approve our Broadford Substation proposals, which forms a key component of our proposed Skye 132kV Reinforcement project.

 “Sections of the existing Fort Augustus to Skye overhead line were built in the 1950s which is fast reaching the end of its operational life, as demonstrated by three major faults in 2023 and one in early 2024 that resulted in the temporary loss of power to over 20,000 customers.  The Skye Reinforcement Project is therefore critical to keep the lights on for homes and businesses across Skye and in the Western Isles.

 “We now look forward to the Scottish Government’s timely determination of our Section 37 application for the overhead line and remain committed to work constructively with all stakeholders to deliver this critical national infrastructure, which is essential to keep the lights on and support the transition to net zero.”

Why is the project required?

Keeping the lights on

  • The existing Fort Augustus to Skye overhead line was constructed between 1956 and 1989 and is fast approaching the end of its operational life. This can be demonstrated by three faults in 2023 that resulted in the temporary loss of supply to over 20,000 homes and businesses along its route and in the Western Isles, which is supplied by two subsea cables from the north of Skye and another fault in early 2024. Replacing this line is therefore essential in maintaining security of supply to the homes and businesses it powers. The current overhead line is a single circuit, with no back up transmission circuits in the event of a fault. As the replacement line will be a double circuit, it will also greatly strengthen network resilience and reliability. The independent GB energy regulator, Ofgem, has assessed the project, including alternative options, and has clearly concluded that the replacement line is required. Ofgem’s Final Needs Case decision can be found here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-08/Isle%20of%20Skye%20project%20-%20Final%20Needs%20Case%20decision.pdf

Connecting renewable electricity generation

  • The existing overhead line is at full capacity meaning no new electricity generation can connect. This includes several proposed onshore wind farms on Skye that have secured planning consents that are unable to progress without upgrading the network.   The replacement line will also enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation along its route, supporting energy security and climate change targets.

Read more about the Skye 132kV Reinforcement Project here: Skye Reinforcement - SSEN Transmission (ssen-transmission.co.uk)