Since April 2013, SSE has said it has connected more than 250MW of renewable energy across the north of Scotland.

In a statement, it added that in the year ahead they hope to connect more than 300MW of additional generation capacity.

The utility provider said this target reflected the accelerating process of connecting new wind, hydro and marine generators to the grid across SSEDP's two north of Scotland electricity network businesses – Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission and Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution.

-- Advertisement --

In 2013, two major new transmission substations were completed at Corriemoillie in Ross-shire and Fetteresso in Aberdeenshire, which connected two new wind farms at Lochluichart and Mid Hill. The work also provided space for future contracted connections.

Commenting on the initiative, David Gardner, SSEPD's Director of Transmission, said: "The growth of renewable generation across the north of Scotland is transforming the role of our network.

"Investment on this scale has not been seen since the hydro development era of the 1950s – with the annual rate of new connections approaching one tenth of the historic total, year on year.

"We are adapting a network that was originally built to deliver power outward to consumers from a few large power stations and hydro schemes to serve a renewed purpose in the twenty-first century.

"Significant low carbon generation capacity is now distributed throughout our operating area, from larger wind farms right down to the smallest developments pursued by individual homes and businesses."

(JP/IT)