Crarae 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.

The following chapters and annexes of the Environmental Appraisal have been updated:

• Chapter 8 – Updated noise emission data for proposed plant – no material change to outcome of assessment
• Chapter 10 – To remove reference to replanting at the site (site to be reinstated as bog/mire habitat)
• Annex S – Updated plant noise spectrum and modelling plots

Figures 1b and 2 have also been amended with some minor changes to the proposed temporary access track layout in the vicinity of the existing substation.

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 Crarae Substation), approximately 1.6km north west of Minard, 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. 

If you wish to view the documents relating to this submission you can do so by clicking 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 24.02.2023.

SSEN Transmission have submitted their application for consent to the Scottish Ministers for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 1989 to install and keep installed approximately 45m of 275 kV overhead line supported on two new steel towers to connect the proposed 275 kV Crarae Substation via downleads to the existing 275kV Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line and to install and keep installed approximately 285m of realigned 275kV overhead line supported with one new steel tower  in the vicinity of the existing 132 kV Crarae Substation. Temporary overhead line diversions with three towers  and temporary overhead line diversions with two towers or masts for a period of no more than three years will also be required, approximately 1.6 km north west of Minard in the Argyll and Bute local authority area.

Any representations on the application may be submitted to Scottish Ministers via the Energy Consents Unit website at www.energyconsents.scot using reference ECU00004664. All representations should be made such that they are received by Scottish Ministers not later than 30th January 2023 although Scottish Ministers may consider representations received after this date. As a result of a statutory objection from the relevant planning authority, or where Scottish Ministers decide to exercise their discretion to do so, Scottish Ministers can also cause a Public Inquiry (PI) to be held.

Should you wish to view the documents contained within our Section 37 application in full, these are available within the project documents section of this webpage.