Connagill Cluster Wind Farm Connections

About the Project

The Connagill Cluster comprises the recently consented Strathy Wood (65 megawatt (MW)) and Strathy South (208MW) Wind Farms, as well as the proposed Armadale (58MW), Melvich (58MW) and Kirkton (53MW) Wind Farms.​

Optioneering studies have been ongoing since 2021 to connect the consented Strathy South, Strathy Wood, and proposed Armadale Wind Farms to the transmission network. The initial optimal technology solution for each connection was via overhead line supported by trident ‘H’ wood pole, which was presented to statutory consultees in 2022 during an informal project update.

Since then, two further connections have been agreed for the proposed Melvich and Kirkton Wind Farms, and it is no longer the optimal solution from a technical, operational, or environmental perspective to have numerous separate wood pole overhead lines running in parallel for long distances for each connection.​ Extensive further review has, therefore, been carried out to identify a rationalised approach to facilitate all the connections.

Why is the Project Required?

Under our Network Operators Licence we are required to provide connections for five proposed wind farms in the Strathy area, collectively known as the Connagill Cluster.

These connections should be delivered in a technically efficient, co-ordinated, and economic manner, whilst having the least practicable impact on people and the environment. All connections are to be provided at 132kV and are proposed to be accommodated on wood pole and steel lattice overhead lines.

Community Engagement

Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.

We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.

We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.

When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.

How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.