An Suidhe 275kV Substation

The GB electricity regulator Ofgem has provisionally approved SSEN Transmission’s proposals to upgrade the electricity transmission network in Argyll and Kintyre.

In its minded-to approve consultation on SSEN Transmission’s Final Needs Case, Ofgem has recognised the clear need for the Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy, which will secure future electricity supplies in the area and enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the region. It will support the connection of at least 970MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.

As well as supporting the transition to net zero emissions, the investment will also help secure the country’s future energy independence by removing the country’s dependence and price exposure to volatile, global wholesale gas markets, with the deployment of low carbon, affordable, renewable electricity generation.The project will also unlock hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the construction phase and provide a significant economic boost to local and national economies, all while playing a key role in supporting the transition to net zero emissions and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.

Ofgem’s minded-to decision and consultation on the Argyll and Kintyre Final Needs Case can be found here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/argyll-and-kintyre-project-final-needs-case-consultation.

As a stakeholder led business SSEN Transmission would like to encourage all interested and relevant stakeholders to contribute to this important consultation before the closing date on 15^th of September 2023.

A planning application has been submitted by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (operating and known as SSEN Transmission) for detailed planning permission under The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 for the Erection of High Voltage Electricity Substation and Formation of Associated Access, Landscaping, Drainage and Means of Enclosure (the An Suidhe Substation), approximately 4 km south west of Inveraray, Argyll and Bute.

The Proposed substation forms part of SSEN Transmission’s Argyll and Kintyre Strategy and is required to manage the transportation of renewable energy generation from Argyll to the wider electricity network.  The substation would connect into the existing 275 kV Overhead Line (OHL) from Inveraray to Crossaig. An Environmental Appraisal (EA) has been carried out as a non-statutory assessment to allow appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures to be identified. 

The relating documents for this application can be found on the project documents section of this webpage. 

Written comments may be made by e-mail: planning.hq@argyll-bute.gov.uk or Argyll and Bute Council, Development Management, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT by 17.02.2023.