An SSEN Transmission strategy, which it says is needed to connect several onshore wind farms in Scotland, has been approved by Ofgem.
The UK energy watchdog has approved the Final Needs Case for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Strategy project under the Large Onshore Transmission Investment mechanism.
The approval is conditional on Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (trading as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc) (SHET) subsequently securing all material planning consents thereby demonstrating its readiness to proceed with the subsequent Project Assessment stage, Ofgem said.
Managing director of SSEN Transmission Rob McDonald said: “We welcome Ofgem’s decision to approve our Final Needs Case for the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV strategy, which is a hugely important milestone in enabling the growth in renewable electricity generation across the region.
“The Argyll and Kintyre 275kV strategy is required to connect several new onshore wind farms across the region and to transport that power to demand centres across the north of Scotland and beyond, helping secure energy independence and net zero.
“This investment will also create hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the supply chain, boosting local and national economies.
“With all substation planning approvals in place, we now look forward to the determination of our overhead line projects and remain committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of this critical local and national infrastructure.”