Overview
About the Project
E Power Ltd submitted a Section 36 Planning Application for the proposed Abhainn Dubh Wind Farm in May 2023 and is currently awaiting consent. Coordinates and shapefiles for the turbines and substation location are available on the developer’s website: abhainndubhinfo.co.uk.
The proposed wind farm is located approximately 4.5 km west of Evanton, 5 km northeast of Strathpeffer, and 4 km northwest of Dingwall.
As the transmission licence holder in the north of Scotland, SSEN Transmission has a duty under Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. This includes an obligation to offer non-discriminatory terms for connections to the transmission system, both for new generation and for new demand.
Subject to planning consent, SSEN Transmission is required to connect the proposed Abhainn Dubh Wind Farm to the transmission network. To facilitate this, we are proposing to construct a new single-circuit 132 kV connection, comprising approximately 8.2 km of underground cable and 2.8 km of overhead line, linking the wind farm to a new double busbar line bay at the existing Fyrish 132 kV substation.
The overhead line will use a trident wood “H” pole arrangement with an average height of 10–18 m and span lengths of 75–100 m. The full connection route will extend for approximately 9.4 km between the wind farm substation and the Fyrish substation.
Construction will require some temporary traffic management measures, and consultation on these will be undertaken in due course.
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 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.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
Project updates
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We're here to lend a helping hand
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
Documents
Alignment Selection Consultation – June 2025
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Abhainn Dubh Alignment Consultation Document
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 June 2025
- Size:
- 21.9 MB
This Alignment Consultation Document (and associated appendices/maps) explains the project need and summarises the process which has been followed to arrive at the optimal alignment. It forms part of the consultation exercise which provides all interested parties with the opportunity to provide feedback.
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Abhainn Dubh Consultation Booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 June 2025
- Size:
- 15 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in June 2025.
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Abhainn Dubh Event Mailer
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 June 2025
- Size:
- 381.9 KB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about our feedback event in June 2025.
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Abhainn Dubh project overview information
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 June 2025
- Size:
- 22.4 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in June 2025.
Route Selection Consultation – August 2024
FAQs
FAQs
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