Stornoway event to share information on key network upgrades

An image of a wooden transmission pole on Stornoway

  • Public invited to view plans for Stornoway Grid Supply Point Extension and Stornoway Wind Farm Connection projects

  • Projects a key part of enabling growth in clean power generation while strengthening local security of supply. 

People in Lewis are being invited to an event that will share information on SSEN Transmission’s proposals to extend the existing Stornoway Grid Supply Point (GSP) and provide a connection to the proposed Stornoway Wind Farm.  

The information event will take place at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway on Thursday, 20th March, from 3-7pm. 

The GSP project is required to accommodate the growth in clean power generation in the Western Isles, adding capacity that will help enable its onward distribution to the GB transmission network, while strengthening local security of supply. 
 
The proposed works will see an extension of the current GSP site located off the A859, south of Marybank, that will allow the installation of two new grid transformers along with associated equipment and building infrastructure. The transformers – which will connect to the proposed Lewis Hub at Arnish Point via underground cable – are key components that will enable and manage the flow of energy through the substation, helping to make the network more reliable and efficient. 

The proposed Stornoway Wind Farm Connection will see the installation of a new 1.6km single circuit 132kV wooden pole overhead line connecting Stornoway Wind Farm to the proposed Lewis Hub and wider GB transmission network.  

Kevin Morrison, Community Liaison Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “We are holding these information events to share information with the public on this investment in our transmission infrastructure that’s required to transfer clean, renewable power to homes and businesses across the UK, while strengthening local security of supply.

“The events come in advance of our pre-application process for each project, which will begin in the coming months and is a key step towards the submission of full planning applications later this year.  

“Feedback from the local community is a key in helping us shape our proposals, and we would encourage anyone with an interest in our projects to come along to the Cabarfeidh Hotel on Thursday, 20 March, where our staff will be on hand with information and to help answer any questions.”