SSEN Transmission has welcomed the decision by the Scottish Government to approve
its Section 37 consent application for the replacement of the existing overhead line
between Fort Augustus and Skye, the ‘Skye Reinforcement’, which will boost energy
security and enable more renewables to connect to the grid.
The existing, single circuit overhead line is fast reaching the end of its operational
life, with its replacement critical to maintaining network reliability and security
of supply for homes and businesses in Skye and along the line’s route, and in the
Western Isles, which is currently supplied by two subsea electricity distribution
cables from north Skye.
The existing overhead line is operating at its capacity limit, preventing the connection
of new renewable electricity in the area. Its replacement will have a greater capacity
- enabling the connection of new renewable electricity generation - and will also
further strengthen network reliability and security of supply.
The Skye Reinforcement Project is part of SSEN Transmission’s £20bn ‘Pathway to 2030’
investment programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north
of Scotland.
The Section 37 Planning Consent submission was submitted to the Scottish Government’s
Energy Consents Unit in September 2022.
In February, SSEN Transmission welcomed the Scottish Government’s Priority Applications
for Transmission Infrastructure guidance, which sets a 52-week determination period
for new Section 37 applications for strategic electricity transmission network projects.
This one-year limit, if successfully implemented, should avoid delays to future strategic
electricity transmission projects. Accelerating delivery of new transmission infrastructure
is an essential enabler of the UK’s mission to achieve energy security, and clean
power for 2030 and beyond.
Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, said: “We welcome this positive
decision. 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.
“This project and our wider investment programme will also be a major driver of jobs
and economic growth locally and across the north of Scotland, bringing substantial
opportunities for communities and businesses.
“We trust that the Scottish Government’s new guidance, setting out a 52-week determination
period, will see future projects progress in line with the acceleration needed to
achieve the country’s clean power mission.
"As we now move to the delivery phase of the project, we are committed to working
constructively with local communities and businesses to minimise and mitigate construction
impacts, alongside maximising the economic, infrastructure and job opportunities
this investment will bring."
Green light for new electricity mainland grid network which supplies Skye and Western
Isles
9 June 2025
