SSEN Transmission has extended the consultation on proposals to develop a new 400 kV overhead electricity transmission line between Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly, which includes new substations at each of these locations.

In response to calls for an extension to the consultation period, SSEN Transmission has extended the deadline until Friday 14 April and hopes this will allow all stakeholders with an interest in the project sufficient time to provide feedback.

Following an initial review of the feedback received so far, SSEN Transmission has also published an initial response to address some of the key themes which have been identified. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is currently being prepared to further address the feedback received and a detailed Report on Consultation will also be published, following the consultation period, to explain how feedback has been considered to inform the more detailed network design.

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A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said: "The Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly 400kV project is part of a GB wide programme of works that are required to meet UK and Scottish Government 2030 renewable targets, including unlocking the first phase of the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round. In line with the UK Government's British Energy Security Strategy, these reinforcements will help secure the country's future energy independence by removing our dependence on, and price exposure to, volatile global wholesale gas markets through accelerating the deployment of homegrown and affordable low carbon electricity generation, and the enabling electricity network infrastructure required to connect and transport this power.

"Whilst delivering this critical national infrastructure by 2030 requires an acceleration of the project development and delivery phases, we remain fully committed to work closely with the local community and wider stakeholders to help inform our design and it is important to note that the project remains in the early stages of development and no specific overhead line route alignments have been identified. We are currently seeking feedback on potential route options within approximately 1km wide areas and preferred substation locations, with this feedback helping inform more detailed overhead line route options and our proposed substation site selections, which we will further consult on later this year.

"We would like to thank everyone who has shared their feedback so far, which will be carefully considered as we further refine our plans. Given the extent of interest in the project and in direct response to requests from the community, we have extended the consultation period by two weeks and would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to provide their feedback by Friday 14 April."