Alternative site identified for new Lewis HVDC convertor station and substation

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  • Selection follows community and landowner feedback over previously proposed Creed North site

  • SSEN Transmission identifies alternative site in area of Macaulay Farm and Stornoway Trust land on Arnish Moor

SSEN Transmission has identified an alternative site on Lewis for its proposed new HVDC convertor station and AC substation for the Western Isles HVDC link, following community feedback that led to a previous proposal being discounted.

The proposed new site - on an area of land owned by the Stornoway Trust and Macaulay Farm on Arnish Moor near Stornoway - follows a reassessment of site options after the company responded to community and landowner feedback and chose not to proceed with its original preferred site at Creed North.

The new site has been identified as the most suitable alternative location following a detailed evaluation of available options. This site selection process has sought to minimise community and landscape impacts throughout the development and operation of the project, whilst seeking to balance key environmental, technical and construction constraints. 

Ongoing discussions with the Stornoway Trust and owners of Macaulay Farm have led to proposals to acquire the land needed for development. Designs are being developed to ensure minimal impact on surrounding properties and Macaulay College, a local Community Interest Company that works with students with additional support needs.

To demonstrate its commitment to provide a lasting legacy to Western Isles communities, SSEN Transmission has pledged to support Macaulay College with its plans to undertake essential building refurbishment and extension works that will create additional spaces at the college and enhance the range of activities on offer to students.

In addition, SSEN Transmission will continue to work closely with the Stornoway Trust to ensure the long awaited HVDC Connector and associated infrastructure works deliver real benefit to communities on Lewis and the Western Isles. This will include looking at environmental enhancement opportunities in the wider area.

The proposed land agreements with Stornoway Trust and Macaulay Farm enables SSEN Transmission to commence an Environmental Impact Assessment that will form a key part of the planning application for the site. Further public consultation will take place to help inform the detailed design of the Lewis Hub site, with public events being planned for September and November 2024.

Colin Bell, Lead Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “My team and I are delighted to announce that we’ve identified a site for our proposed HVDC convertor station and AC substation on land partially owned by Stornoway Trust and Macaulay Farm in the northern area of Arnish Moor on Lewis.

“The decision to seek an alternative location was taken in direct response to feedback from the local community, demonstrating the value of our consultation process.  We will continue to listen and work constructively with landowner groups, residents, and stakeholders as we develop the project.

“The identification of this site also allows us to support two local organisations which are already delivering benefits to the local community.

“We are delighted that this site supports the Stornoway Trust as a community landowner, while enabling connection for other developments that align with the Trust's aim to deliver significant economic benefits to the area.

“We are also thrilled to be able to support Macaulay College with the extension of their facilities and services to build on the invaluable work the college already provides. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with both organisations throughout the lifetime of the project.

“The next step is further consultation with the local community and wider stakeholders to inform the planning and development of the project, which continues to have widespread local support reflecting its importance to the development of renewable energy in and around the Western Isles, and the significant economic and job opportunities our investment will unlock.”

Rebecca Lindsay, Director at Macaulay College, said: “We feel very fortunate to have SSEN Transmission as our new neighbours. The support they have shown Macaulay College will be transformational to the services we can provide here on the Farm.

“We have been successful in raising most of the funds required to replace our dilapidated building and double our current capacity, but the funding from SSEN Transmission ensures the project will be completed.

“With SSEN Transmission’s incredible support we will also be able to develop our arts, sports and music programmes, delivering physical and mental benefits to our students who will be able to enjoy wonderful new facilities.”

Iain Maciver, from the Stornoway Trust, commented: “Having gratefully acknowledged SSEN’s decision to seek an alternative location for their 1.8GW convertor station the Stornoway Trust hope they will now be allowed to develop their chosen location in line with an already tight delivery schedule.

“Our argument for a much-needed subsea link started over a decade ago. We now hope that a consented convertor station will not only clear the way for a cable, but will enable our onshore developers to progress work on projects with the capacity to provide our community with transformational revenue streams and employment opportunities as they also try and achieve completion by the 2030 delivery date.”