SSEN proposes £400m Skye reinforcement project

Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission has submitted a proposal to Ofgem for a £400 million project to replace the Fort Augustus to Skye electricity transmission line.

The network operator has lodged an initial needs case (INC) with the regulator for the scheme, which it describes as one of the most significant energy investments in the West Highlands since power was first brought to the area in the 1950s.

The INC forms part of Ofgem’s new Large Onshore Transmission Investment (LOTI) uncertainty mechanism for the RIIO-T2 price controls, and represents the first stage of the regulatory funding approvals process.

The existing Fort-Augustus to Skye line, which was constructed in three distinct sections between 1956 and 1989, consists of a combination of steel lattice towers from Fort Augustus to Broadford, then overhead wooden poles from Broadford to Edinbane.

To meet the required increased capacity of the replacement line, steel structures will be required from Fort Augustus to Edinbane; with wooden pole remaining from Edinbane to Ardmore.  Upgrades to the existing substations at Broadford and Edinbane will also be required as part of the Skye reinforcement.

SSEN is also proposing to increase the capacity of the replacement line to allow connections of new renewable electricity in the area.

Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said: “Submission of our Initial Needs Case marks a major milestone in unlocking the significant investment required for the Skye reinforcement project. The project is essential to maintain and improve network reliability and security of supply, whilst also supporting local and national efforts to tackle the climate emergency and deliver a pathway to net zero emissions.

“We now look forward to working constructively with Ofgem and our stakeholders to make the investment required in a timely manner, delivering on Ofgem’s commitment to an agile and flexible regulatory framework and in doing so, create hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the supply chain to support a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”

SSEN expects to consult on its preferred route and technology later in the autumn. In response to stakeholder feedback, the company is assessing the potential for undergrounding as the line passes the Cuillin Hills and where it connects to Fort Augustus substation, as well as alternative routes as it passes Kylerhea.

Work is progressing separately on a 600MW HVDC connection to the Western Isles.