SSEN Transmission has announced that several of its projects have moved from development to delivery, with around three quarters of planning applications submitted as part of the investment programme now approved, significant progress in delivering the infrastructure required to support Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power ambitions is being made.
A number of remaining projects are currently progressing through formal planning and regulatory processes. These include appeals submitted to the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) for the proposed Fanellan, Hurlie, Emmock and Carnaig substations, as well as forthcoming Public Local Inquiries (PLIs) relating to the Kintore to Tealing, Spittal to Beauly, and Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead line projects.
As these projects move through formal proceedings, there are established processes in place to ensure all relevant evidence is considered fully and fairly by independent reporters appointed by the Scottish Government.
Alison Hall, SSEN Transmission’s Director for Development, said:
'We recognise the level of interest in our programme of projects as a number progress through formal planning and inquiry processes. As these processes are now underway, it would not be appropriate for us to comment in detail on specific matters that will be considered as part of the appeals and Public Local Inquiries.
However, we remain confident in the extensive work undertaken to develop each of our proposals, including detailed technical assessment and one of the largest programmes of public consultation ever carried out in the north of Scotland. We note that each of the proposed substations was recommended for approval by the relevant council planning officers, reflecting the quality and strength of the applications submitted. This work has informed the proposed designs and mitigation measures that will be carefully examined through the formal process.
Engagement with landowners, local communities and all other stakeholders has been at the heart of how these projects have been developed and will continue as the process progresses. The appeals and inquiry processes provide the appropriate forum for all views to be heard, and for the merits of each project to be assessed in full.'
All of these projects form part of the business’s wider £29bn programme of investment to reinforce the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. The upgrades are required to connect and transport increasing volumes of renewable electricity and support the delivery of the UK’s energy security and clean power ambitions.
Each project has been independently identified through national energy system planning processes as necessary to meet future electricity demand and enable the transition to a low carbon energy system. Extensive development work has been carried out, including environmental assessments, technical design and ongoing engagement with local communities and stakeholders over several years.
Further information on each project, including how proposals have been developed and consulted on, is available at:
- Beauly to Peterhead 400kV Overhead Line Project
- Kintore to Tealing 400kV Overhead Line Project
- Spittal to Beauly 400kV Overhead Line Project
- Carnaig Substation Project
- Emmock Substation Project
- Fanellan Substation Project
- Hurlie Substation Project
Source: SSEN Transmission
