New transmission line to connect Inveraray and Creag Dhubh

The new project will be approximately 9km long and follows on from the decision to grant permission for the Creag Dhubh to Glen Lochy section of overhead line.

Argyll and Bute’s original transmission network was constructed over 60 years ago with the aim of transmitting electricity to consumers in rural areas.

This is the final major consenting decision required to finalise preparatory works on SSEN Transmission’s Argyll and Kintyre upgrade prior to the commencement of main construction works.

Argyll and Bute’s original transmission network was constructed over 60 years ago (Image: SSEN) Director of Capital Development and Delivery, Tony Scott, said: “We welcome the decision by the Scottish Ministers to grant consent for the Creag Dhubh-Inveraray 275kV overhead line, a key component of our overall Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy.

“It is a key element of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme, a £20bn investment that will support thousands of jobs and provide a major boost to local and national economies.

“These projects are essential to increase the operational capacity of the transmission network, enabling the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the area and transporting that power to areas of demand across the country.

“We now look forward to working with the local community and wider stakeholders in preparation for the construction phase of the project.”

The Creag Dhubh to Inveraray project is part of a wider strategy to upgrade the capacity of the main electricity transmission network across Argyll and Kintyre from 132kV to 275Kv.

This project is part of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme which is a £20bn investment to support thousands of jobs and provide a major boost to the economy.

These investments represent an upgrade of the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland to enable the connection and transportation of renewable energy across the country.