About the project
The overall aim of the project is to reinforce the existing transmission network connections in the Argyll region, to enable renewable energy projects to connect to the GB transmission network and to ensure security of supply.
The existing transmission network for Argyll was originally designed to serve a rural area with low demand for electricity. Requests from renewable generation developers to connect to the network in this area exceed the current capacity of the existing transmission network, meaning a new transmission circuit is required to meet demand from generation developers and ensure security of supply.
We have been consulting locally on this project (formerly referred to as the North Argyll Project) since March 2016.
The original proposals consisted of a new 275/132kV substation (Creag Dhubh) near to the existing Inveraray to Taynuilt 132kV overhead line, with a new 275kV overhead line circuit between the proposed Creag Dhubh substation and the existing Dalmally Switching Station.
We presented our preferred overhead alignment from Creag Dhubh substation to the existing Dalmally Switching Station during a consultation event in March 2018.
In recognition of the feedback received (and in combination with previous comments dating back to 2016), we committed to explore underground cable options and assess the potential for alternative overhead line options that would avoid crossing the Strath of Orchy. In September 2020, a consultation relating to the three options was launched to seek stakeholder views regarding the three options considered for the project.
Based on the feedback received through its consultation, in particular from statutory stakeholders, our preferred option has been identified as number three. This option addresses a number of concerns that local community members had raised about the visual and cumulative impacts of connecting to the existing network infrastructure in Dalmally. It also avoids the significant environmental challenges associated with the undergrounding option, which presented a significant risk of pollution to Loch Awe, due to the risk of local watercourses flooding in the area.
We will now carry out detailed engineering and environmental studies to help establish a preferred route which we will consulted on in Spring 2021.
The Creag Dhubh–Dalmally project is part of a wider strategy to upgrade the main transmission network across Argyll to 275kW to support the growth in renewables across the region and the transition to net zero emissions, supporting UK and Scottish Government climate change targets. To help inform the Argyll community and other stakeholders of this wider strategy, SSEN Transmission intends to host a regional stakeholder event before the end of the financial year to present its future plans.
