SSEN Transmission has secured planning consent for its Lewis Hub grid project in the Western Isles, enabling construction to begin early next year, the company said. The hub, to be built at Arnish Moor on the Isle of Lewis, will include a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station and an AC substation designed to support a 1.8GW interconnector to the Scottish mainland.
Several renewable energy developments in the Western Isles plan to use the future export link, according to the network operator. Approval was granted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
“Investing in this local electricity transmission network connection is also a major driver of jobs and economic activity, and we are already seeing the positive impact the Lewis Hub is delivering through new housing and infrastructure upgrades supporting economic and social growth for the islands,” said Alison Hall, SSEN Transmission’s director of development. She added that new jobs, community benefit funding and housing commitments would “deliver a lasting legacy in communities across the north of Scotland including in the Western Isles”.
Hall said the decision marks “a key milestone in delivering UK and Scottish government energy targets – creating a hub for clean energy projects that will help build a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for generations to come”.
Colin Bell, the company’s lead development project manager, said the approval reflects a detailed assessment process in which SSEN Transmission “sought to achieve the best balance from a community, environmental and technical perspective”. He noted the move from the original Creed North site to Arnish Moor “demonstrates our willingness to listen and act on feedback”. Bell added that the company will “continue to engage constructively with the local community throughout the lifetime of this project”.
