Overview
About the Project
The original transmission network in Argyll and Bute was constructed over 60 years ago and designed to transmit electricity to consumers in rural areas of low-density population.
We have seen a significant increase in generator connection applications in Argyll and Kintyre, predominantly in renewable generation supporting the country's drive towards Net Zero.
Therefore, there is a requirement for us to increase our network capability in Argyll and Kintyre, beyond that already under current construction and public development, to enable the connection of further renewable generation and to export to the wider GB transmission network. We have called this group of works designed to deliver the required increase in network capacity our Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy.
Our Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy consists of three projects. The section 37 applications for all these projects have been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit for consideration.
Creag Dhubh to Dalmally 275kV Connection
This project involves establishing a new substation at Creag Dhubh and a tie in connection to the existing Scottish Power Energy Networks overhead line, connected by approximately 13.3km of new overhead line.
Find Out More About Creag Dhubh - Dalmally 275kV Connection
Creag Dhubh to Inveraray 275kV Connection
This is a new project to construct approximately 9km of new 275kV overhead line. It will initially be operated at 132kV, but will be capable of 275kV operation once associated connected substations to the south have been upgraded to 275kV capability. The existing 132kV overhead line between Inveraray and the proposed new Creag Dhubh Substation will be removed.
Find Out More About Creag Dhubh - Inveraray 275kV Connection
Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Substations
To complete the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, existing connected substations south of Inveraray require upgrading to 275kV capability. We are progressing with a new project which would involve construction and operation of new 275kV substations in the vicinity of the existing An Suidhe, Crarae and Crossaig Substations, and in the vicinity of Craig Murrail, north of Lochgilphead.
Find Out More About Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Substations
Argyll Stakeholder Webinar 2021
The Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy was introduced to stakeholders during a regional webinar on 17th March 2021. Within the webinar, members of our project team outline the generation background history, the timeline we are working to, and provide further context of the project requirement and anticipated next steps. Watch a recording of the webinar here:
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.
Project Updates
Project updates
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Argyll and Kintyre project - Final Needs Case consultation
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 15th of September 2023. -
Our consultation period is now closed
We would like to thank all of those who took part in our recent public consultation and for taking the time to give feedback on the options presented for the Creag Dhubh to Inveraray 275kV Connection project.Our feedback period is now closed and we will be collating the feedback we have received from local stakeholders and statutory consultees via the in-person events, virtual consultation events, feedback forms, emails, calls and meetings and include this within our PAC report which we will subsequently publish on the webpage. -
Public Consultation Events May 2022
Thank you for taking the time to attend our in person and virtual consultation events this month. You are still able to give us feedback via phone, email or by filling out one of our feedback forms by clicking the link below., you can submit feedback until the 6th of June, thereafter our consultation period for this project will be closed.
Public Consultation Events May 2022
Thank you for taking the time to attend our in person and virtual consultation events this month. You are still able to give us feedback via phone, email or by filling out one of our feedback forms by clicking the link below., you can submit feedback until the 6th of June, thereafter our consultation period for this project will be closed.
Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar
Please click to view our 2022 Argyll and Bute regional webinar where some of the SSEN team have given an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects across the area.
Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar
Please click to view our 2022 Argyll and Bute regional webinar where some of the SSEN team have given an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects across the area. -
Submission of our Initial Needs Case for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy
We have submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, robust proposals to reinforce the Argyll transmission network from 132kV to 275kV operation. At an estimated cost of around £400m, this investment is being taken forward as part of the SSE Group’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme, which will see £12.5bn invested in the five years to 2026, or £7m every day. SSEN Transmission alone expects to invest around £4bn over this period as it delivers a network for net zero emissions. The Argyll 275kV strategy is required to support the connection of several new renewable electricity generation schemes across Argyll and to transport that power to areas of demand across Scotland and beyond. It will support the connection of at least 560MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.
Project Documents
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Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy LOTI Final Needs Case 2023.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 14 June 2023
- Size:
- 3.4 MB
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argyll-and-kintyre-275kv-strategy-consultation-poster-2021.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 100.7 KB
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argyll-and-kintyre-reinforcement-strategy_loti_inc_master-redacted.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 12.8 MB
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argyll-generation-seminar-slide-pack.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 1.7 MB
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ssen_t-argyll-webinar-17march21-final-slides.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 3.5 MB
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FAQs
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