The UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, has given its conditional approval for the Final Needs Case of the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Reinforcement Strategy project. The approval paves the way for Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), trading as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHET), to connect multiple new onshore wind farms in Scotland under the Large Onshore Transmission Investment mechanism.
This conditional approval is contingent upon SSEN securing all requisite planning consents, a measure that will determine the project's readiness to advance to the next stage, according to Ofgem.
Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, welcomed the decision as a “hugely important milestone.” He stated that the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV strategy is essential for integrating new onshore wind farms in the region and for transporting generated power to demand centers across northern Scotland and beyond.
McDonald also highlighted that the approved strategy will contribute to achieving energy independence and net-zero carbon emissions. Moreover, the investment is expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the supply chain, providing an economic boost at both local and national levels.
