2021 has been flagged up as the latest date for the installation of the proposed Minch subsea cable.
The interconnector is required to export wind and wave farm electricity from the islands to mainland markets.
There are fears that developers may simply abandon the Western Isles instead of hanging on for the delayed cable.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) aborted an earlier contract to manufacture the £700 million link.
Whether the underwater cable is ever constructed depends on grid operator SSE and
energy regulator Ofgem -
Representatives of SSE recently met with members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Though December 2020 is the heralded milestone finish line, the actual proposed completion may be delayed into the following year.
The price tag is also likely to rise as the works have to be retendered.
SSE’s plan is to submit the business case for the energy cable by the end of this year.
It hopes Ofgem will grant approval by June 2016 so contracts can be awarded by summer 2017.
Comhairle leader Angus Campbell said pressure must be applied to ensure the timetable is kept.
He added: “I will be writing to, and hopefully meeting with, the new Government after the election to remind them of existing commitments and seeking their assistance in ensuring the timetable is fully met.”
Councillor Campbell added: “In my view this new timetable offers the very best chance for the future of renewable energy in the islands.
“We have a set of commercial developers who have fully consented projects that are
at a size and scale to afford the huge level of securities and under-
Mr Campbell said large-
He is no doubt that “developers of scale, are absolutely essential for delivering
the inter-
“I am 100% clear that without such projects of scale that the inter-
The proposed sub sea cable would allow small community wind schemes to link into the grid.
He said: “It is essential, therefore, from both a commercial and community renewables
perspective that the present inter-
2021 milestone for Minch interconnector
2 May 2015