SSEN Transmission has proposed a programme of upgrade works for its Fort Augustus substation, as part of ambitious plans to transform the electricity network in the north of Scotland to support national net zero and energy security targets.

The Fort Augustus 400kV Substation Upgrade project proposes an extension to the existing substation at Auchterawe, supporting a proposed uprating to the existing Beauly-Denny overhead line to operate at 400kV on both circuits (one circuit has been operating at 275 kV since its energisation).

The extension will include the construction of a new platform to accommodate new substation buildings, and the replacement of existing infrastructure which is at the end of its operational life. The application also includes proposals for a temporary construction compound.

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The upgrade would also provide a grid connection for the first large scale pumped storage project to be developed in the UK for more than 40 years in Coire Glas.

The Highland Council had previously approved an application to install new equipment at the Fort Augustus substation, which has been superseded by this latest application, reflecting the growing need to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland to connect the region's abundant renewable energy resources.

Rebecca Simister, Senior Development Project Manager from SSEN Transmission, said: "We are pleased to have submitted our planning application seeking approval for an upgrade to our Fort Augustus substation.

"The upgrade, which will be subject to a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain, is a key enabler to our proposals to upgrade the existing Beauly-Denny overhead line which will not require any additional overhead infrastructure.

"These projects are a critical part of our £20bn investment to upgrade the transmission network in support of national net zero and energy security ambitions, and we look forward to working with The Highland Council to progress our application."