Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc has welcomed Highland Council’s decision to grant consent for two new electricity substations which form an important link in the transmission network for the north of Scotland.
The decision clears the way for a package of investment worth over £100 million including the new substations at Fyrish, near Alness and Loch Buidhe, near Bonar Bridge and the replacement of the overhead wires on the west side of the existing tower line that runs from Loch Buidhe to Beauly.
John Henderson, SHE Transmission’s Project Manager said: “These plans form part of a major programme of investment in the transmission network serving the north of Scotland.
“This work is already bringing a significant number of jobs to the Highlands and supporting the area’s growing renewable energy sector.
“As well as helping to meet the incremental demand for new connections throughout the north, the substations will allow electricity to be transmitted more efficiently and improve the resilience of the network as a whole”.
The construction of the substations and the associated works will improve the efficiency and flexibility of the electricity network serving the north. It follows the completion earlier this year of a second 275 kilovolt circuit on the towers which run 153km from Dounreay to Beauly.
John Henderson added: “We will be working in the months ahead to address the conditions which have been placed upon us by the council and to plan the delivery of the project on time and within budget.
“We have been in dialogue with local communities throughout the development of our proposal and look forward to continuing that relationship during construction. We will also continue to coordinate our work as much as possible with other developments taking place in the area.
“Our priority is to carry out our work safely, effectively and with the minimum disruption to local people and the environment.”