SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to The Highland Council for the Fanellan 400kV substation and converter station project, a crucial development aimed at bolstering national energy security and clean power targets. The project, located southwest of Beauly, is a key component of SSEN Transmission's plans to upgrade the transmission network in northern Scotland.

The proposed development will facilitate connections for several planned onshore and offshore renewable energy projects, enabling the delivery of high-voltage, clean power across the UK. The submission follows three years of development and extensive engagement with local communities and stakeholders, including four public consultation events attended by over 300 people.

Community feedback has significantly influenced the project's design, which includes a new outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Alternating Current (AC) substation and a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station. The Fanellan site was chosen for its environmental and technical suitability.

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The site will connect to the existing Beauly-Denny 400kV Overhead Line and proposed projects such as the Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV overhead line, the Beauly – Blackhillock – New Deer – Peterhead 400kV overhead line, and the Western Isles HVDC Connection. Locating both installations within a single site will reduce visual impact and limit the need for additional infrastructure work.

Ross McKay, Senior Development Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, said: "The proposed Fanellan 400kV AC substation and HVDC converter station is a key component of our proposals to upgrade the transmission network in support of the delivery of 2030 offshore wind generation targets set by the UK and Scottish Governments. The National Energy Systems Operator carried out extensive studies which identified the need for this project, and in developing our proposals we have sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective while consulting extensively with the local community."

He added: "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 would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events which have been key in helping shape our proposals. We now look forward to working with The Highland Council and stakeholders as part of the planning application process."