New Coire Mashie 400kV Substation and Earba PSH Connection

About the Project

New Coire Mashie 400kV Substation 

The new 400kV substation required near Ardverikie Estate and Kinloch Laggan in the Highlands of Scotland to allow the connection of Earba Pumped Storage HydroScheme to the National Grid. 

The new substation would also be: 

• Required to connect into the existing Beauly-Denny overhead line.
• Sited relatively close to the existing Beauly-Denny overhead line to limit the additional infrastructure required.

New Earba 400kV Underground Cable 

The Earba Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme requires connection to the National Grid. To facilitate this, a new400 kV underground cable is proposed. 

The new underground cable would be: 

• Connected from Earba Pumped Storage Hydro Schemes on-site powerhouse located by the Southeast shore of Loch Earba to the new proposed Coire Mashie Substation.
• Approximately 15km in length depending on the route option that is chosen following consultation. We will be able to provide more information regarding the underground cable route once the location for the new 400kV substation has been determined following consultation with local community members and statutory stakeholders.

Why is the Project Required?

SSEN Transmission is required to connect to the proposed Earba Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) Scheme with an installed capacity of up to 1,800MW. 

Under our Network Operators Licence we are required to deliver the connection in a technically efficient, co-ordinated and economic manner, whilst having the least practicable impact on people and the environment 

The Proposed Development is located on Ardverikie Estate and Kinloch Laggan, approximately midway between Newtonmore and Spean Bridge, and would operate by transferring water between a lower reservoir, Lochan na h-Earba and an upper reservoir, Loch a' Bhealaich Leamhain. 

Further information can be found on Gilkes Energy Ltd website earbastorage.co.uk 

Planning was submitted for the Earba PSH in March 2024 - Section 36 planning application can be viewed on the Energy Consents website energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx?cr=ECU00005062 

The project is expected to start in mid 2028 and be completed in Late 2032. 

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.