Potential routes for Scottish island high voltage interconnector

Potential routes for a high voltage interconnector between the Scottish Western Isles and the mainland to feed renewable electricity into the UK grid have been out to initial consultation. Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission Ltd, the regulated wires business of Scottish and Southern Energy, has identified five possible route corridors between Stornoway on Lewis and the Scottish Highlands. SSE has received applications from over 1200 MW of planned wind energy projects on Lewis for connection to its network -- including from its own proposed 125 turbine project. The aim of the initial consultation is to identify a preferred route for a 400 kV line, including a sub sea cable, should the projects receive the necessary planning permits. The preferred route will be subject to another consultation exercise in 2005. SSE says that initial desk studies favour a sub sea cable from Stornoway to Ullapool and then an overhead line to Beauly near Inverness.