The Scottish Government has granted SSEN Transmission planning permission for a new overhead transmission line from Harris to Stornoway, which when complete will bolster energy security on the Isle of Lewis.

The new 132kV line, which is expected to begin construction in the summer and be complete by 2026, will run for around 60km from the Harris Grid Supply Point to Stornoway Grid Supply Point, replacing the existing line which has been in place since 1990 and is part of the Western Isles circuit running from Fort Augustus to Stornoway.

The upgrade, which replaces the current single pole trident design with an 'H' pole trident line strung with an All Aluminium Alloy Conductor, will offer greater resilience reducing the potential for power outages.

The current overhead line is aging and prone to storm damage and high winds affecting the region, and therefore requires ongoing work and monitoring. The poles on the existing circuit have a history of storm damage going back to 2006.

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SSEN Transmission has appointed two contractors – Norpower Limited and Keltbray Energy Limited – to help deliver the project, which will include opportunities for local contractors and the wider supply chain in the Western Isles, as well as for local housing providers to help provide temporary workforce accommodation.

Communication with landowners, tenants and local communities along the route will take place in the coming months, to inform them of the project's construction programme.

Andrew Ewing, Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, commented: "We are pleased to have been granted consent by Scottish Government and look forward to working with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to discharge planning conditions for this replacement overhead line project, which will bolster energy security on Lewis while providing economic opportunities for local contractors and suppliers.

"The existing line has been in place for close to 35 years and has been susceptible to storm damage, so this upgrade is required to ensure security of supply and keep the lights on for homes and businesses across the island.

"We're committed to working with local communities along the route as part of our consultation process for the new line, and in the months ahead we will provide updates on where and when people can engage with us on our plans."