SSEN Transmission has announced that the Scottish Government has granted Section 37 consent for its Skye Reinforcement project, which involves replacing the existing overhead electricity line between Fort Augustus and Skye.

This approval is set to significantly enhance energy security and facilitate greater integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

The current single-circuit overhead line is nearing the end of its operational life, making its replacement critical for maintaining network reliability and ensuring security of supply for homes and businesses in Skye, along the line's route, and in the Western Isles. The Western Isles currently receive electricity via two subsea distribution cables from north Skye.

The existing line is operating at its capacity limit, which prevents the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the area. The replacement line will have a greater capacity, enabling new renewable energy connections and further strengthening network reliability and security of supply. The Skye Reinforcement Project is a component of SSEN Transmission’s £20 billion ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment program, aimed at upgrading the electricity transmission network across northern Scotland.

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The Section 37 Planning Consent application was submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit in September 2022. This approval follows the Scottish Government’s new guidance, issued in February, which sets a 52-week determination period for new Section 37 applications for strategic electricity transmission network projects. SSEN Transmission believes that successfully implementing this one-year limit will prevent delays to future strategic projects, which is crucial for the UK's mission to achieve energy security and clean power by 2030 and beyond.

Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, welcomed the decision, stating, "The Skye Reinforcement project is crucial to maintaining local network reliability and will play an important role in helping the UK achieve its energy security and clean power ambitions." He also emphasised the project's potential to drive jobs and economic growth locally and across the north of Scotland. McDonald further expressed trust that the new 52-week determination period guidance will accelerate future projects in line with the country's clean power mission. SSEN Transmission is committed to working with local communities and businesses to minimise construction impacts while maximising economic opportunities.

To accommodate the increased capacity of the replacement line, steel structures will be used from Fort Augustus to Edinbane, extending the existing steel structures that currently terminate at Broadford. Wooden poles will remain in place from Edinbane to Ardmore. Approximately 15km of the circuit will be undergrounded as it passes the Cuillin Hills, with another 9km undergrounded where it connects to Fort Augustus substation. The consent decision confirms SSEN Transmission's preferred route at the Kylerhea community in Skye, which closely follows the existing overhead line. This decision followed extensive studies to identify an optimal alignment that minimises impact on key environmental designations and local communities. Additionally, substations at Broadford and Edinbane in Skye will be replaced, with consents for these already secured from The Highland Council.