The development of a new approx. 9km 275kV overhead electricity transmission line between Creag Dhubh and Inveraray has been approved by Scottish Ministers.

This is the final major consenting decision required to finalise preparatory works on SSEN Transmission's Argyll and Kintyre 275kV upgrade prior to the commencement of main construction works.

With the original transmission network in Argyll and Bute being constructed over 60 years ago and designed to transmit electricity to consumers in rural areas of low-density population, the Creag Dhubh to Inveraray project is part of a wider strategy to upgrade the capacity of the main electricity transmission network across Argyll and Kintyre from 132kV to 275kV, which is crucial in enabling the growth in renewable energy across the region and ensuring security of supply.

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The Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy is a key element of SSEN Transmission's Pathway to 2030 programme, a £20bn investment that will support thousands of jobs and provide a major boost to local and national economies. These investments represent a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland to enable the connection and transportation of homegrown renewable energy to demand centres across the country and are part of a GB-wide renewal of the transmission network that is required to meet UK and Scottish Government clean power and energy security targets.

Tony Scott, Director of Capital Development and Delivery, said: "We welcome the decision by the Scottish Ministers to grant consent for the Creag Dhubh-Inveraray 275kV overhead line, a key component of our overall Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy.

"It is a key element of SSEN Transmission's Pathway to 2030 programme, a £20bn investment that will support thousands of jobs and provide a major boost to local and national economies.

"These projects are essential to increase the operational capacity of the transmission network, enabling the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the area and transporting that power to areas of demand across the country.

"We now look forward to working with the local community and wider stakeholders in preparation for the construction phase of the project."

With all consents and the supply chain now in place, the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV upgrade moves into its construction phase.