Hebrides electricity connection planned

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL) has submitted applications for consent to construct a 132,000 Volt electricity transmission circuit between Grabhair and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis

If consented the circuit will provide a connection between the existing transmission system at Stornoway and the proposed transmission system to the mainland which has a terminal (converter station) at Grabhair.

“Developments on the Western Isles”

The proposed circuit will operate at 132,000 Volts and would consist of:a section of underground cable from the converter station at Grabhair to the head of Loch Odhairn; and a subsea cable from Loch Odhairn to Arnish and an overhead line from Arnish to Stornoway substation.

The Stornoway substation will require to be rebuilt and extended to accommodate the new circuit.

The application follows extensive consultation which indicated a strong preference for a subsea connection between Grabhair and Stornoway as far as possible.

Andrew Robertson, SHETL Project Manager, said: “The circuit will reduce the reliance of Lewis and Harris on the existing diesel power stations. It will also facilitate the connection of numerous, small-scale renewable energy developments on the Western Isles.”

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