Planning application submitted for Fanellan 400kV substation and converter station to help deliver national clean power targets

  • Proposals a key element of several onshore and offshore projects helping the UK meet clean power and energy security targets

  • Extensive engagement with local community helps shape proposals

SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to The Highland Council for the Fanellan 400kV substation and converter station project – a key strategic development that will play a major role in supporting national energy security and clean power targets.

Located southwest of Beauly, the project is a key part of the transmission operator’s plans to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland and will provide connections to several proposed projects helping deliver high voltage, clean renewable power to homes and businesses across the UK.

The submission of the planning application follows three years of development and extensive engagement on the project’s design with local community members and other stakeholders. This includes four public consultation events held last year that were attended by over 300 people, and meetings with residents living closest to the proposed site.

Community feedback has played a key role in shaping the proposed project, which comprises the construction of a new outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Alternating Current (AC) substation and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station. The proposed site at Fanellan was deemed the best option from both an environmental and technical perspective.

The site will provide connections to the existing Beauly - Denny 400kV Overhead Line and following proposed onshore and offshore projects: 

  • Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV overhead line  
  • Beauly – Blackhillock – New Deer – Peterhead 400kV overhead line  
  • Western Isles HVDC Connection

As well as offering the opportunity to locate both installations within a single site – thereby reducing visual impact – the location also limits the need for additional infrastructure works and offers substantial opportunities for screening and landscaping.

Ross McKay, Senior Development Project Manager said: “The proposed Fanellan 400kV AC substation and HVDC converter station is a key component of our proposals to upgrade the transmission network in support of the delivery of 2030 offshore wind generation targets set by the UK and Scottish Governments.  

“The National Energy Systems Operator carried out extensive studies which identified the need for this project, and in developing our proposals we have sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective while consulting extensively with the local community. 

“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 application process.”