The electricity regulator Ofgem has approved proposals to upgrade the electricity transmission network in Argyll.
In its Final Needs Case decision, the regulator said energy company SSEN Transmission had demonstrated a “clear need” for the Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy, which will secure future electricity supplies and enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the region.
Estimated to cost about £600 million, the project will support the connection of at least 970MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.
As well as supporting the transition to net zero emissions, the investment will also help secure the country’s future energy independence by removing the country’s dependence and price exposure to volatile, global wholesale gas markets, with the deployment of low carbon, affordable, renewable electricity generation.
The project will also unlock hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the construction phase and provide a significant economic boost to local and national economies, all while playing a key role in supporting the transition to net zero emissions and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.
Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said: “We welcome Ofgem’s decision to approve our Final Needs Case for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, which is a hugely important milestone in enabling the growth in renewable electricity generation across the region.
“The Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy is required to connect several new onshore wind farms across the region and to transport that power to demand centres across the north of Scotland and beyond, helping secure energy independence and net zero.
“This investment will also create hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the supply chain, boosting local and national economies.
“With all substation planning approvals in place, we now look forward to the determination of our overhead line projects and remain committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of this critical local and national infrastructure.”
Ofgem’s decision on the Argyll and Kintyre Final Needs Case can be viewed online at www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/argyll-and-kintyre-project-final-needs-case-decision
Visit www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/argyll-and-kintyre-275kv-strategy for more information on the Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy.