About the project 

The original transmission network in Argyll and Bute was constructed over 60 years ago and designed to transmit electricity to consumers in rural areas of low-density population.

As the UK strives for Net Zero (achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out), SSEN Transmission has seen a significant increase in generator connection applications in Argyll and Kintyre in the last 18 months, predominantly in renewable generation.

There is therefore a requirement for us to increase our network capability in Argyll and Kintyre, beyond that already under current construction and public development, to enable the connection of further renewable generation and to export to the wider GB network. We have called this group of works designed to deliver the required increase in network capacity our ‘Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy’.

Our Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy consists of 3 projects, one of which has previously been consulted on publicly since 2016 and another two which are in early development and the initial consultation stage. They are as follows:

• Creag Dhubh - Dalmally 275kV Connection 

 This project involves establishing a new substation at Creag Dhubh and new switching station at Glen Lochy, connected by approximately 14km of new overhead line.

• Creag Dhubh - Inveraray 275kV Overhead Line 

 This is a new project which would involve between 8-12 km of new 275kV overhead line constructed between the proposed new substation at Creag Dhubh, and a connection point on the Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line.  It will initially be operated at 132kV, but will be capable of 275kV operation, once associated transmission network connected substations to the south have been upgraded to 275kV capability. The existing 132kV overhead line between Inveraray and the proposed new Creag Dhubh substation will be removed.   

• Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Substations 

 To complete the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, existing connected substations south of Inveraray require upgrade to 275kV capability, as a result we are progressing with a new project which would involve construction and operation of new 275kV electricity substations in the vicinity of the existing An Suidhe, Crarae and Crossaig Substations, and in the vicinity of Craig Murrail, north of Lochgilphead.

Current activity 

We are currently preparing to hold Virtual Public Consultations on the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy this Summer, where we are inviting stakeholders to comment on our proposals for each element. 

We are also in the process of preparing a submission to our regulator Ofgem, which will include confirmation of our preferred option to increase the capacity of transmission infrastructure in Argyll. In accordance with our regulatory requirements, we are required to assess alternative options as well as our preferred option.

Our current preferred option to facilitate this increase in renewable energy would involve the elements listed above. 

Please note that each of these elements are at different stages of development and extensive engagement will be carried out on each element, alongside stakeholder engagement which will be undertaken on the strategy as a whole.

As the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy continues to develop, further information regarding our plans will be shared with our stakeholders and via this webpage.

Community engagement 

Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a project and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.

We endeavour to take the time to discuss our proposals with local community councils and the wider affected community and to carry out engagement at key stages, listening to feedback before finalising project plans.