New power cables installed under Loch Linnhe by SSEN Distribution are boosting the reliability of electricity supplies on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and supporting the uptake of low carbon technologies across the area.

The cable installation started in earnest last Spring and saw SSEN's project team working with specialist contractor O'Connor Utilities, using a Horizontal Directional Drill to bore a route 15 metres below the bed of Loch Linnhe, between Bunree and Ardgour, installing three cable ducts in the process.

After the ducting was installed, the new cables were pulled through and, as scheduled, two of the three are now fully energised and supplying power across the area, with the third cable due to be energised at a later date.

Mel Chisholm, Submarine Cables Lead Project Manager, said: "This has been a highly technical and very rewarding project, with everyone working hard to successfully deliver a real boost to the reliability of power supplies in communities across the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.

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"In addition, with the new cables also providing an increase in the actual network capacity, this project is supporting the local communities on the road to net zero, enabling the uptake of low carbon technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles."

Also looking to the future, Highland Council sought out the team ahead of their planned regeneration of the busy Corran Ferry, with plans to introduce two electric ferries to what is one of the busiest services in Europe, carrying 273,000 vehicles annually.

SSEN's subsea team has been working closely with the local community throughout the project, from the initial planning and development stages all the way through to the energisation and ongoing reinstatement.

Samantha Thomson, Chair of Ardgour Community Council, has been impressed with the communication and engagement from SSEN: "We are delighted to hear that the subsea cables have been energised and look forward to the resilience this will bring to the electrical supply for our community and our neighbours across the peninsulas. SSEN has been great at keeping our communities informed throughout the project which has meant day-to-day life has been able to continue as usual while this major engineering project takes place."