Planning consent has been granted for a change to the electricity grid that will allow new renewables developments to be connected to the grid.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has approved a change to the route of the existing Anglo-Scottish Interconnector 400 kilo Volt (kV) overhead electricity transmission line at Bearholm near Moffat.

The change will move 1.8km of the existing line to connect the Moffat substation at Bearholm to the transmission grid. The substation will provide a connection for renewables developments in the Moffat area including the Harestanes (Forest of Ae) wind farm. Five existing 46 metre high towers will be replaced with five new towers of the same height.

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Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "The new route of the Anglo-Scottish interconnector will allow new renewable energy developments to connect to the grid.

"These developments will produce jobs for the local area, save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide and power thousands of homes.

"In consenting this application I have put conditions in place which will protect local communities and wildlife. I am confident that this change to the interconnector will enable renewable energy developments which will provide great benefits to the local community and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity demand generated from renewables."

Developers SP Transmission Ltd applied to the Scottish Government in June 2007 for a change to the existing Anglo-Scottish Interconnector 400kV overhead electricity transmission line. One representation was received from a member of the public, who objected because at the time of the application, the Harestanes wind farm had not received consent. It was consented on September 10, 2007.

(GK)