The Scottish Government has granted planning consent for a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network on Skye, paving the way for more renewable energy to be connected to the grid. 1w6v4y

According to the Scottish Government, the Skye Reinforcement Project includes: 2l2x8

• The construction and operation of approximately 110 km of 132 kV steel double-circuit overhead line between Fort Augustus and Edinbane substation.
• Approximately 27 km of new single-circuit overhead line, using Trident H wood poles, between Edinbane and Ardmore substation.
• A temporary 750 m diversion of the existing 132 kV overhead line at Inchlaggan to facilitate works in the Highlands.
• In total, the new transmission connection will span around 160 km, including 24 km of underground cable. Once the project is complete, the existing 132 kV overhead line will be dismantled and removed.
• SSEN Transmission has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to approve its Section 37 consent application to replace the existing overhead line between Fort Augustus and Skye, known as the “Skye Reinforcement.”

According to SSEN, the current single-circuit line is reaching the end of its operational life, making its replacement essential to maintain network reliability and supply security in Skye, along its route, and in the Western Isles, which are currently supplied by two subsea cables from the north of Skye.

The existing infrastructure is operating at its limit, preventing the connection of new renewable energy projects. The new line will have greater capacity, enabling such connections and further enhancing the security of electricity supply.

The Skye Reinforcement Project is part of SSEN Transmission’s £20 billion “Pathway to 2030” investment programme, which aims to modernise the transmission network across the north of Scotland.

The Section 37 consent application was submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit in September 2022.

Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, stated: “We welcome this positive decision. The Skye Reinforcement project is critical to maintaining the reliability of the local network and will play an important role in helping the UK meet its energy security and clean energy ambitions. This project and our wider investment programme will also be a major driver of employment and economic growth both locally and across the north of Scotland, delivering significant opportunities for communities and businesses.”