SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for its Lewis Hub project, which would see the construction of a new HVDC converter station and AC substation by Macaulay Farm outside Stornoway.
The project is a key element of its Western Isles Connection Project that will establish a new subsea HVDC link between Lewis and the mainland, unlocking 1.8GW of new renewable electricity generation in support of national clean power and energy security ambitions.
The submission of the planning application for the HVDC converter station and AC substation follows a detailed consultation process, with community feedback leading to the decision to move the location of the infrastructure from the original preferred site at Creed North int he Marybank area to the current location at Arnish Moor.
The application outlines the efforts made to minimise the visual impact of the proposed site through measures that have reduced the size of the platform from its original design, along with landscaping and screening proposals.
The submission marks a major step in the development of the Lewis Hub and subsea HVDC link, which will connect the Western Isles to the national electricity transmission network for the first time and improve network reliability and security of supply for homes and businesses across the islands.
It will also deliver significant economic opportunity through community benefit funding associated with new renewable energy projects, as well as jobs and supply chain opportunities throughout the construction period.
SSEN Transmission recently held a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in Stornoway where local businesses were invited to meet with the project’s principal contractors to find out about the range of opportunities available in a variety of areas.
Meanwhile, the company is working with the council, Hebridean Housing Partnership
and local groups on workforce accommodation solutions, including the restoration
of empty homes, renovation of properties, a temporary worker village, and part-funding
of new homes that would be leased during the construction period, before being released
to contribute to local housing stock.
This comes as part of SSEN Transmission’s pledge to contribute to the delivery of over 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland – helping support future housing need in Lewis and leaving a positive legacy for communities.
Colin Bell, Lead Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “We’re pleased to reach the stage of submitting our planning application for the Lewis Hub project, which is a key element of the subsea HVDC link that will connect the abundant renewable energy potential of the Western Isles to the GB transmission system.
“From the outset we have actively sought to shape our plans in consultation with the local community, most notably resulting in our decision to move from our original proposed location at Creed North to the current location at Arnish Moor.
“We will continue to listen and work constructively with landowner groups, residents, and stakeholders as we develop the project, which will deliver substantial local economic and legacy benefits while playing a major role in supporting national clean energy and energy security targets.
“We would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application
consultation events that have helped shape our proposals, where we have sought to
achieve the best possible balance from an environmental and technical perspective.
“We now look forward to working with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and stakeholders as part of the planning submission process.”
The proposed Lewis Hub and Western Isles HVDC Link involves the proposed construction of a new HVDC converter station and AC substation on Arnish Moor near Stornoway, and the installation of around 81km of HVDC subsea cable between the Isle of Lewis and Dundonnell on the mainland.
This will be followed by around 80km of onshore underground HVDC cable to a HVDC converter station near Beauly. It is part of a £20bn package of work to upgrade the north of Scotland transmission network, known as the Pathway to 2030 programme.
Project teams anticipate the Western Isles subsea cable link will be completed by 2030.
SSEN lodges planning application for substation and converter station outside Stornoway
17 March 2025