SSEN Transmission launches public consultation for Creag Dhubh to Taynuilt Reinforcement Project

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  • Public consultation events to be held in Taynuilt on Wednesday 11 March and Portsonachan on Thursday 12 March

The project involves replacing the Taynuilt and Nant overhead electricity transmission lines by building new modern overhead line routes, helping to reinforce and enable increased renewable capacity on the network. The project comprises of two main elements, including replacing approximately 12.5km of overhead line between Taynuilt to Creag Dhubh substation (currently under construction), as well as replacing approximately 4.1km of the Nant 132kV overhead line.

The existing transmission network in Argyll is more than sixty years old and was built to historic engineering standards. Many of the existing structures use lightweight towers and offer limited electrical clearances and lightning protection, restricting opportunities for modernisation and limiting the ability to connect new renewable generation.

Reinforcing the network between Creag Dhubh and Taynuilt is essential to improve resilience, meet future demand and ensure the region can continue to support Scotland’s transition to a low carbon energy system.  Once the new overhead lines are energised, the old infrastructure will be removed. 

Have your say

We are holding two public consultation events in Taynuilt and Portsonachan next week to encourage people to share their views on plans for the proposed routing options for the overhead lines.  Events will take place at;

  • Wednesday 11 March, 2-7pm, Taynuilt Village Hall
  • Thursday 12 March, 2-7pm, Portsonachan Village Hall

The events will give people the opportunity to meet the project team, ask questions, learn more about the proposals and share their views. All feedback received during the consultation will help refine and inform the development of the project ahead of the submission of a Section 37 application.  The consultation will remain open until 23 April, and all feedback is welcomed. 

Louise Anderson, Lead Community Liaison manager at SSEN Transmission said:

“We know how important the local environment and secure, clean power are to the people who live and work in this part of Argyll, and we want to make sure that community perspectives are central to how this project develops. These events are an opportunity for anyone with an interest to come along, speak with the team, and provide feedback that will help shape the project as it progresses. We encourage as many people as possible to get involved and share their views.”

Next steps

Further information about the consultation events as well as a copy of all of the project materials are available on the project website, and we encourages all interested parties to take part and share their views.