Graphic shows the proposed substation and converter station
Plans to build Minch subsea power cable convertor station outside Stornoway on display
14 November 2024
A public consultation event held today will show details of a proposed new HVDC convertor
station and AC substation on Arnish Moor.
The planned infrastructure – known as the Lewis Hub – will take in electricity generated
by local wind turbines - in addition to future offshore turbines - for export through
a subsea cable under the Minch to the mainland.
SSEN Transmission will hold the statutory pre-application consultation event at the
Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway from 3-7pm this afternoon (14 November).
Colin Bell, Lead Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “There has been a strong
level of interest and engagement in our proposals, and our second pre-application
consultation will give the public another opportunity to have their say prior to
the submission of our formal planning application early next year.
“We have already made significant changes to the project based on community feedback,
most notably relocating from our original preferred site at Creed North to Arnish
Moor.
“We continue to refine the project in line with community feedback, including measures
that have reduced the size of the substation platform from its original design, and
landscaping proposals to reduce the visual impact of the site.
“We are also working closely with our contract partners, external stakeholders, local
businesses and community groups to ensure our project plans during the proposed construction
and operation of the site doesn’t put undue pressure on local services and other
sectors including local housing provision, transport and logistics.
“This demonstrates the value of our consultation with the local community, which
is an important part of our project development process. We encourage anyone with
an interest in our proposals to come along to our event on November 14th and provide
their feedback.”
To submit feedback online and register for project updates, visit the project website
www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/western-isles
Once complete, the proposed Western Isles HVDC Link will allow 1.8GW of new renewable
electricity generation to connect to the electricity transmission network, helping
to facilitate the transition to net zero emissions.
The project is part of SSEN Transmission’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment
(ASTI) programme, which feeds into a wider £20bn package of work to upgrade the north
of Scotland transmission network, known as the Pathway to 2030 programme.
The Western Isles HVDC Link will involve creating a new HVDC converter station and
AC substation on Arnish Moor near Stornoway, with around 81km of HVDC subsea cable
between Lewis and Dundonnell on the Scottish mainland, followed by around 80km of
onshore underground HVDC cable to a HVDC Converter station near Beauly.
Project teams anticipate the Western Isles HVDC Link will be completed by 2030.
