Plans to build a converter station at Arnish Point, near Stornoway, to export windfarm electricity to the mainland are due to be debated by councillors later.
If the development does not proceed, it is maintained the Western Isles economy will lose out by an estimated £144 million over the next 25 years.
SSE, the national grid operator in north Scotland is seeking planning permission in principle to construct a high voltage electrical converter plant and substation at Arnish Point.
The convertor station depends on a much-
The proposed development of interconnecting buildings at Arnish would be the land-
A pre-
There are concerns the proposal could significantly affect the heavy manufacturing use at Arnish and threaten developing an oil rig decommissioning industry there.
Planners recommend retaining a corridor of land to allow access to the shore and safeguard future aspirations to develop a deep water berth and develop more land.
The comhairle's planning department recommends granting in-
A recent report commissioned by the Scottish Government said the Western Isles economy could benefit by £144 million over the next 25 years from renewables projects.
This includes up to £81 million of community benefit payments plus the creation of nearly 500 jobs during the construction of windfarms and grid infrastructure.
The council's economic development chiefs highlight the "unprecedented" potential socioeconomic benefits from such a large scale renewable energy business in the Western Isles.
The interconnector and the three main wind farms would cost around £2 billion in total to build. Outside contractors would get the lion's share of the contracts concedes the council, but the comhairle has been "working hard" to ensure island firms get work through the supply chain.
If the outline proposal is agreed by councillors this month, a full planning application would be lodged at a later date.
Planning bid for electricity convertor station linking Minch sub-
7 June 2016