SSEN Transmission has received final approval for its Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Project.

The project, which has been in the works for nearly two years, aims to strengthen the region's electricity network and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.

The final consent granted allows for the construction of a tie-in connection to Creag Dhubh Substation from the existing 132kV Inveraray to Taynuilt overhead line.

By upgrading the transmission network from 132kV to 275kV, SSEN Transmission aims to improve the reliability of the electricity supply and enable the growth of renewable energy generation in the Argyll region.

The company has been working closely with local communities to maximise the economic benefits of the project.

Tony Scott, Director of Capital Development and Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: "Notification that we've been granted consent for the Inveraray to Taynuilt overhead line tie-in to Creag Dhubh Substation is fantastic news.


"Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is crucial if we are to achieve the country's energy security and clean power objectives, and it's also a major driver of jobs and economic activity locally and across the north of Scotland.  We've been engaging with the local supply chain and other local businesses to explore every opportunity to be involved in this programme of work across the region.

"The fact that the consenting decision took the better part of two years underlines the need for planning reform for electricity infrastructure, and we welcome the work that the Scottish and UK governments are taking forward together in this area. The prize of planning reform is a robust, timely and proportionate process, which meaningfully involves local communities, and a centrepiece should be that determination periods are timebound to 12 months.

"With work already underway at our new Creag Dhubh Substation project, we're continuing to move at pace to deliver the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV reinforcement project, which will reinforce the transmission network in the region and help support the increase in local renewable energy generation. We will of course ensure that local communities are kept informed as this important project progresses."

To learn more about SSEN Transmission's Argyll and Kintyre 275kV reinforcement project visit: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/argyll-and-kintyre-275kv-strategy/