SSEN Transmission submits Carnaig substation planning application

SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to The Highland Council for the 400kV Carnaig substation project, near Loch Buidhe in Sutherland.

The project is a key element of the transmission operator’s proposed Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV overhead line (OHL) connection, and will help deliver high voltage, clean renewable power for connection to homes and businesses across the UK – helping meet Scotland and the UK’s clean power and energy security ambitions.

The project will involve construction of a new outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation and associated infrastructure which will connect to the proposed Spittal to Beauly 400kV OHL.

A series of pre-application consultation events gave members of the public the opportunity to view the substation proposals. The substation site has been selected as the least constrained option from an environmental and engineering perspective, with its proximity to the existing Loch Buidhe substation – which it will connect to via underground cable – recognised as limiting the potential for landscape and visual impact.

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 2030 offshore wind generation targets set by the UK and Scottish Governments.

“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.”

More information on the Carnaig 400Kv substation project is available on our project webpage Carnaig (Loch Buidhe Area) 400kV substation - SSEN Transmission

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