Overview
Cancelling our upcoming event
Following our recent consultation with Perth and Kinross Council, it has been confirmed that the proposed access track infrastructure required for the Kinardochy to Errochty 132kV Underground Cable project would constitute a ‘Local’ level planning application, rather than a ‘Major’ planning application. This has resulted in a change in the planning requirement to hold formal pre-application public consultation events.
You can find out further information in the Project Update section of this website.
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.
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 Energy System Operator NESO, 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.
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
Featured updates
Featured updates for this project
Cancelling our upcoming event
Project updates
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We're here to lend a helping hand
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
Cancelling our upcoming event
Following recent consultation with Perth and Kinross Council, it has been confirmed that the proposed access track infrastructure required for the Kinardochy to Errochty 132kV Underground Cable project would constitute a ‘Local’ level planning application, rather than a ‘Major’ planning application. This has resulted in a change in the planning requirement to hold formal pre-application public consultation events.
As you may be aware, the project team held a consultation event in November 2024 in Tummel Bridge, which was the first of two formal events required for Major planning applications. Given the scale and nature of the works we have taken the decision to provide an update on the application in writing rather than stage a second event. We would like to assure you that this in no way detracts from the level of design and environmental assessment that will support the application, and that relevant feedback from the first event will be incorporated.
We intend to submit our planning application in April 2025 for the access track works required to install the new underground cables (which we are able to do through our Permitted Development rights as a Statutory Undertaker). The latest design information that was shared in November 2025 can be found on the Kinardochy to Errochty 132kV Underground Cable project page on the SSEN Transmission website here. The information shared in November 2025 has not changed.
Please note that you will be able to make formal representation to Perth and Kinross Council once the application is live on their planning portal.”
We will continue to engage with community members and all interested stakeholders for the project. If you do have any questions or queries relating to the project, please do not hesitate to contact your Community Liaison Manager, Nicola Mcluskey.
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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 on the main webpage 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.
Public Consultation Events
We are hosting a statutory Pre-Application Consultation event to gain views and feedback on our proposals for the Kinardochy – Errochty Underground Cable. The pre-application process is a key first step in the Town and Country Planning process for National planning applications.
We would encourage members of the local community and all interested parties to attend the event.
The open-door drop-in face to face consultation will be held at the following location:
Tuesday 26 November 2024 – 2:00pm - 7:30pm – Kynachan Hall, Tummel Bridge, Pitlochry PH16 5NT
Documents
Pre-application Consultation Documents
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Kinardochy-Errochty Underground Cable Pre-application Consultation Booklet.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 13 November 2024
- Size:
- 10.7 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in November 2024.
FAQs
FAQs
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