Overview
Status: Construction Phase
About the Project
We will be constructing a new 275kV substation at Crarae, located approximately 1.6km north west of Minard and upslope of the existing Crarae 132kV Substation. The project will include the construction of three steel lattice towers to support overhead line conductors, to connect the new Crarae Substation into the recently completed Inveraray to Crossaig 275kV Overhead Line.
The existing substation is now of insufficient size and capacity to accommodate the works required to connect the contracted renewable generation in Argyll, therefore a new substation is required which will operate at 275kV.
Find Out More About Inveraray - Crossaig 275kV Overhead Line
Why is the Project Required?
Due to the projected increase in renewable energy generation in Argyll, a need has been identified for the upgrade and reinforcement of the electricity transmission network on the Argyll peninsula, to ensure security of electricity supply and support the transition to Net Zero.
The replacement Inveraray - Crossaig Overhead Line has been completed at a higher voltage of 275kV. As increased renewable generation requires connection to the electricity network, and the operating voltage is required to increase to 275kV, four 132kV substations along the route need replacing to accommodate this.
Find Out More About Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Substations
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.
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Project update - Forestry works complete
We recently completely forestry works in December for our Crarae substation project. Balfour Beatty is our Principal Contractor for this project, at present we are working jointly to plan the mobilization activities aiming for spring 2025 and likely that construction will start thereafter. If you have any questions relating to this project please contact the project community liaison manager - Caitlin.quinn@sse.com -
Meet the buyer event - thank you
On behalf our principal contractor Balfour Beatty, the SSEN Transmission project team would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit us at our public event event this week.
Over 30 businesses attended our meet the buyer event with others sending enquries via phone and email. This was really beneficial for us to understand all the local businesses that are available in the local area.
If anyone has any further questions regarding this event please email the community liaison manager for these projects.
Meet the Buyer Event
SSEN Transmission will soon begin construction on the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV substations.
As part of these projects and our ongoing commitment to ensure that where possible, opportunities are advertised locally in the first instance, we are welcoming local businesses to attend an informal drop-in meeting to engage with our principal contractors and to exchange details to discuss the possible opportunities for the local supply chain.
These projects have the potential to create local business and employment opportunities in the following fields: Accommodation, fencing, skip hire, catering, cleaning services, plant hire, general operations workers, groundworkers, electricians and more. We would encourage any relevant local businesses to attend these events and discuss what possible business opportunities there are with our principal contractors.
This drop in event will be held at the following date and location;
An Suidhe, Crarae, Craig Murrail substations:
Wednesday 24 January 2024, 2–6pm
Furnace Village Hall, Furnace,
Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8XN -
Argyll and Kintyre project - Final Needs Case consultation
The GB electricity regulator Ofgem has provisionally approved SSEN Transmission’s proposals to upgrade the electricity transmission network in Argyll and Kintyre.
In its minded-to approve consultation on SSEN Transmission’s Final Needs Case, Ofgem has recognised the clear need for the Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy, which will secure future electricity supplies in the area and enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the region. It will support the connection of at least 970MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.
As well as supporting the transition to net zero emissions, the investment will also help secure the country’s future energy independence by removing the country’s dependence and price exposure to volatile, global wholesale gas markets, with the deployment of low carbon, affordable, renewable electricity generation.The project will also unlock hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the construction phase and provide a significant economic boost to local and national economies, all while playing a key role in supporting the transition to net zero emissions and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.
Ofgem’s minded-to decision and consultation on the Argyll and Kintyre Final Needs Case can be found here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/argyll-and-kintyre-project-final-needs-case-consultation.
As a stakeholder led business SSEN Transmission would like to encourage all interested and relevant stakeholders to contribute to this important consultation before the closing date on 15th of September 2023. -
Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Substation Town and Country planning consent granted
We recently recieved town planning country planning consent for An Suidhe, Crarae, Craig Murrail and Crossaig North substations . We are currently still awaiting decision on our Section 37 applications for these projects from Scottish ministers. Once we receive notification of their outcome we will provide an update to public stakeholders and also publish this information and next steps on our project webpage. -
Crarae Subsation S37 update to noise assessment and temporary access track layout January 2023
The following chapters and annexes of the Environmental Appraisal have been updated:
- Chapter 8 – Updated noise emission data for proposed plant – no material change to outcome of assessment
- Chapter 10 – To remove reference to replanting at the site (site to be reinstated as bog/mire habitat)
- Annex S – Updated plant noise spectrum and modelling plots
Figures 1b and 2 have also been amended with some minor changes to the proposed temporary access track layout in the vicinity of the existing substation.
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Crarae Substation Town and Country Planning Application
A planning application has been submitted by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (operating and known as SSEN Transmission) for detailed planning permission under The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 for the Erection of High Voltage Electricity Substation and Formation of Associated Access, Landscaping, Drainage and Means of Enclosure (the Crarae Substation), approximately 1.6km north west of Minard, Argyll and Bute.
The Proposed substation forms part of SSEN Transmission’s Argyll and Kintyre Strategy and is required to manage the transportation of renewable energy generation from Argyll to the wider electricity network. The substation would connect into the existing 275 kV Overhead Line (OHL) from Inveraray to Crossaig. An Environmental Appraisal (EA) has been carried out as a non-statutory assessment to allow appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures to be identified.
If you wish to view the documents relating to this submission you can do so by clicking on the project documents section of this webpage.Written comments may be made by e-mail: planning.hq@argyll-bute.gov.uk or Argyll and Bute Council, Development Management, Kilmory Castle, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT by 24.02.2023.
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Crarae Substation Section 37 planning application
SSEN Transmission have submitted their application for consent to the Scottish Ministers for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 1989 to install and keep installed approximately 45m of 275 kV overhead line supported on two new steel towers to connect the proposed 275 kV Crarae Substation via downleads to the existing 275kV Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line and to install and keep installed approximately 285m of realigned 275kV overhead line supported with one new steel tower in the vicinity of the existing 132 kV Crarae Substation. Temporary overhead line diversions with three towers and temporary overhead line diversions with two towers or masts for a period of no more than three years will also be required, approximately 1.6 km north west of Minard in the Argyll and Bute local authority area.
Any representations on the application may be submitted to Scottish Ministers via the Energy Consents Unit website at www.energyconsents.scot using reference ECU00004664. All representations should be made such that they are received by Scottish Ministers not later than 30th January 2023 although Scottish Ministers may consider representations received after this date. As a result of a statutory objection from the relevant planning authority, or where Scottish Ministers decide to exercise their discretion to do so, Scottish Ministers can also cause a Public Inquiry (PI) to be held.
Should you wish to view the documents contained within our Section 37 application in full, these are available within the project documents section of this webpage.
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Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar 2022
Please click to view our 2022 Argyll and Bute regional webinar where some of the SSEN team have given an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects across the area. -
Submission of our Initial Needs Case for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy
We have submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, robust proposals to reinforce the Argyll transmission network from 132kV to 275kV operation. At an estimated cost of around £400m, this investment is being taken forward as part of the SSE Group’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme, which will see £12.5bn invested in the five years to 2026, or £7m every day. SSEN Transmission alone expects to invest around £4bn over this period as it delivers a network for net zero emissions. The Argyll 275kV strategy is required to support the connection of several new renewable electricity generation schemes across Argyll and to transport that power to areas of demand across Scotland and beyond. It will support the connection of at least 560MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes. -
Pre- Application Consultation Closed
Thank you to those who participated in our Winter 2021 online pre-application consultation and provided feedback on our proposals for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Substations project. Our consultation period closed on 10th January and all feedback received will be collated, reviewed and included in the Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report which will accompany the Planning Applications submission to Argyll and Bute Council in Spring 2022. As part of our consultation we held a webinar on 14th December 2021, inviting statutory consultees, community council members and local elected members to discuss our proposals ahead of our planning application process. Please see a recording of the webinar adjacent for more information. -
Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar
On Wednesday 17th March 2021, SSEN Transmission hosted an Argyll and Bute Information Sharing Webinar, to provide local stakeholders with an interest in future electricity network plans for Argyll and Bute the chance to join us to hear about our stakeholder-led plans for the future and receive an update on the current construction and operation activities in the region. For those who were unable to attend, we have uploaded a recording of the session which you can view by clicking on the adjacent video.
Documents
Crarae Substation Town and Country Planning Application
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Webinar Connections Reform - our role in G2tWQ process 22 July 2025.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 25 July 2025
- Size:
- 2 MB
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Argyll and Kintyre Mailer
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 October 2023
- Size:
- 161.3 KB
This document provides an update to our stakeholders about the project.
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Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy LOTI Final Needs Case 2023
- Type:
- Date:
- 13 June 2023
- Size:
- 3.4 MB
This is an initial or final needs case submitted to Ofgem, seeking support and approval for the recommended reinforement strategy. Submitted 10 May 2023.
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Pre_Application Consultation Report
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 January 2023
- Size:
- 6.5 MB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project.
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Planning Statement
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 January 2023
- Size:
- 775.3 KB
This document provides the Planning Statement for the Proposed Development at Crarae Substation produced in November 2022.
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Earraghail Report on Consultation - Route selection.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 20 January 2023
- Size:
- 8.3 MB
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Appendix-1-figures 1-2
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 7.7 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the study area and natural heritage present within the project, produced 07 June 2021.
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Appendix 1- figures-3-4
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 7.4 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the surface water features and peatland classifications present within the project, produced 07 June 2021.
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Appendix 1 - figures 5-7
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 6.9 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the Topography and preferred site locations present within the project, produced 07 June 2021.
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Argyll and Kintyre 275kv Strategy Consultation Brochure 2021
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 10.2 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in July 2021.
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Argyll and Kintyre 275kv Strategy Consultation Poster 2021
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 100.7 KB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about our consultation events in July 2021.
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Argyll and Kintyre 275kv Substations Pre-application Consultation Booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 23.3 MB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project.
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Report on Consultation Argyll Substations
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 9.4 MB
This Report on Consultation (and associated appendices/maps) documents the consultation process which has been undertaken for the project at substation site selection stage. It describes the key responses received and provides detail on the actions proposed in response to the issues raised.
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Substation Site Selection Consultation Document
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 6.4 MB
This material provides information to our stakeholders about the project or consultation events in July 2021.
Crarae Substation Town and Country planning application
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