

SSEN Transmission has seen a significant increase in generator connection applications in Argyll and Kintyre, with over 600 MW total generation having applied for a connection to the network in the region in the last 18 months.
This increase in generation seeking connection to the transmission network is driving the requirement for further reinforcement over and above the Inveraray – Crossaig and the Creag Dhubh - Dalmally 275kV projects.
This proposed project, forms part of a wider Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy for the regional network to enable the connection of the new contracted generation, and future scoping generation.
This project proposes to construct a new 275kV double circuit overhead line between Creag Dhubh substation (established as part of the Creag Dhubh - Dalmally 275kV project) and a tee point on the Inveraray – Crossaig circuit.
The overhead line is proposed to be between 8-12km.
The existing 132kV overhead line between Creag Dhubh substation and Inveraray switching station will be dismantled. As a result Inveraray switching station will be disconnected from the Kintyre circuit.
In July 2021, we held virtual public consultations to share information and seek feedback on our proposals to build a new 275kV overhead line to replace the existing 132kV overhead line between Inveraray switching station and the proposed Creag Dhubh substation.
The project is part of the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, which is a group of projects designed to deliver an increase in network capability to enable the connection of further renewable generation and to export energy to the wider GB network.
Following our consultation in 2021 and the feedback received, we selected Route Option D/E as the preferred Route. The project then moved into the Alignment stage where we determine the proposed location of the overhead line within the selected route corridor.
During the alignment stage, more detailed survey work and discussions with landowners and the Ministry of Defence revealed that Route Option D/E was not suitable as it passes through an area that posed a high risk from unexploded ordinance (UXO). Route Option B will be taken forward as the preferred Route as of the original route options considered this was the least constrained from an environmental, technical and cost perspective and avoids the area of high UXO risk.
We continue to work to develop this project and we will be holding a public consultation in May 2022 where we will be seeking feedback on the Preferred Alignment within Route Option B.
The following map indicated the original proposed route alongside the newly proposed route:
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 proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
Should you wish to be contacted with updates in relation to this project, please sign up for updates at the bottom of this page or contact the Community Liaison Manager.
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The data in this map is provided for indicative purposes only and may be subject to change. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc do not accept responsibility for its accuracy, completeness or validity. The data should not be copied, reproduced or utilised externally without permission.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is the trading name of Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution Limited, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc and Southern Electric Power Distribution plc.
Investments in projects are made by SHE Transmission plc. Electricity transmission companies are authorised to recover the costs of such investments through 'use of system' charges which are levied by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc on generators and suppliers of electricity. Suppliers recover their costs from all electricity customers. In order to protect the interests of customers, the transmission companies have to demonstrate to the energy regulator, Ofgem (Office for Gas and Electricity Markets) that proposed investments are necessary, are efficient and are economical so that the charges which are ultimately levied on all electricity customers are justified.
This means SHE Transmission is subject to a funding mechanism established by Parliament and regulated by Ofgem. Cross subsidies between different businesses in the SSE group is not permitted.
The Scottish Ministers are responsible for determination of applications submitted under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. Both statutory consultees and members of the public have the right to submit their representations on the application. All representations will be considered by Scottish Ministers in their determination of the application.
The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), as the regulator, has to approve all investment so project proposals are developed under license conditions.
Preferred route corridors chosen will comply with revised ‘Holford Rules’ which are the recognised industry approach to routeing overhead lines amended to reflect Scottish circumstances.
The Holford Rules originated in 1959 as the result of work by Lord Holford, a part-time member of the Central Electricity Generating Board (National Grid's predecessor). The Holford Rules have been augmented by both National Grid and SHE Transmission plc to reflect environmental legislation and best practice in recent years. We have continued to use them as a valuable set of guidelines for reducing the impact of our assets on landscapes.
The guidance recommends appropriate application of the Holford Rules to inform routeing. These rules advocate the application of a hierarchical approach to routeing which first avoids major areas of highest amenity, then smaller areas of high amenity, and finally considers factors such as backdrop, woodland and orientation. The Holford Rules apply the term ‘amenity’ to refer to environmental designations and classifications such as Natura 2000 sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, National Parks.
The guidance also recognises that the key effect of overhead lines is visual and it advises that the routeing of overhead lines should consider the types of mitigation (screening) that could offset any visual effects.
In their National Policy Statement EN-5, the Government has stated that the Holford Rules “should be followed by developers when designing their proposals.” Their use is therefore Government policy, rather than a voluntary choice of SHE Transmission plc.
SHE Transmission are regulated by the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the regulator responsible for representing consumers' interests. Electricity consumer interests are therefore one of our key drivers and this is enshrined in our statutory duties under the Electricity Act.
In particular we have a statutory duty to develop, maintain and operate an efficient, economic and co-ordinated transmission system. Since the costs of these projects will ultimately be paid for by electricity consumers, we have a responsibility to take cost into account with due weighting in a comparison against other important factors.
It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.
The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.
Related Projects: Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, Blarghour Wind Farm Connection Project, Creag Dhubh - Inveraray 275kV Overhead Line
Related Projects: Creag Dhubh - Inveraray 275kV Overhead Line
Related Projects: Creag Dhubh - Inveraray 275kV Overhead Line
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