Western Isles Electricity Transmission Link Update

01 Mar 2013

SHE Transmission continues to make good progress on the development of the link to the Western Isles with the supply chain and other key stakeholders. In line with the previous statement on 20 December 2012, SHE Transmission has been participating in the work of the Scottish Islands Renewables Steering Group, chaired by UK Government; the Scottish Government is also closely involved.  This Group is examining the commercial viability of renewable projects on the Scottish islands and the overall value for money that these projects would provide for the UK.

SHE Transmission is now contacting developers to update them on progress to date on the Western Isles link.   Under the regulatory framework, SHE Transmission will need to be able to show that there is a demonstrable user requirement and that the link is of economic benefit to electricity customers across Great Britain before it can submit its needs case to Ofgem.    The outcome of the Steering Group will obviously be a helpful input to this process.  In the meantime, SHE Transmission will continue discussions with the supply chain to keep the project moving forward.

Good progress is being made on investments elsewhere on the SHE Transmission network; in particular, in gaining the necessary approvals for the subsea link between Kintyre and Hunterson and the Caithness Moray project.  These infrastructure investments will release significant capacity for renewable energy in Argyll and in Caithness.