Kinardochy – Errochty Underground Cable

Kinardochy - Errochty Underground Cable - Public Consultation Event 

We would like to thank all members of the local community and interested parties who took the time to attend the Kinardochy-Errochty Underground Cable public consultation event on 26th November 2024 where we presented our proposals for the project.  

We will be seeking comments and feedback from members of the public, statutory consultees and other key stakeholders regarding our proposals until 14 January 2025. Submit your comments and feedback via the feedback form linked at the top of this page or by emailing or writing to your Community Liaison Manager.  

If you were unable to attend the public event you can download the consultation booklet that was on display from the Project Documents section of the website.  

Please let us know if you require information in an adapted format such as paper copy, large print or braille and we will work with you to accommodate your preferences. We are happy to accommodate all reasonable requests for adapted communications. 

About the Project

In order to support the continued growth in onshore and offshore renewables across the north of Scotland, supporting the country's drive towards Net Zero, investment in network infrastructure is needed to connect this renewable power and transport it from source to areas of demand across the country.

Extensive studies have confirmed the need to upgrade the second circuit of the Beauly – Denny overhead line (OHL) from 275kV to 400kV. To do this, we require two new 400kV substations as well as modifications or extensions to other substations along the Beauly – Denny route.

Find out more about the Beauly-Denny Upgrade Project

The proposed Kinardochy – Errochty Underground Cable (UGC) comprises of two 132kV UGCs between the existing Errochty and Kinardochy substation, as well as remote end works at both substations.

Why is the Project Required?

As part of its statutory and transmission licence obligations, SSEN Transmission has a number of duties including:

• the development and maintenance of an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission
• to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity
• to ensure that the security of the network is maintained as the demand and/or generation connections change over time

SSEN Transmission has a licence obligation to invest in its existing assets to maintain network health and condition. SSEN Transmission also has a statutory duty under the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 to ensure that the electricity transmission network is fit for purpose.

Pathway to 2030

The Pathway to 2030, published by National Grid ESO, the electricity system operator for Great Britain, sets the blueprint for the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to enable the forecasted growth in renewable electricity across Great Britain.

The projects identified within the Pathway to 2030 are critical to delivering the UK and Scottish Government’s offshore wind targets. To deliver these targets, we are investing over £10bn to upgrade the network infrastructure across the north of Scotland as the region plays a leading role in the clean energy transition.

As part of this investment, there is a requirement for two new 132kV UGCs between the existing Errochty and Kinardochy substation.

Explore Pathway to 2030 projects

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.