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Search the Public Notice PortalPlanning consent has been granted for a controversial electricity substation in Caithness.
Highland councillors have approved the Banniskirk Hub – a major clean energy project that will see a new 400kV substation built in the Spittal area.
The decision comes after more than two years of development and community engagement by SSEN Transmission. However, the project drew just one message of support compared to 252 objections from local residents.
SSEN said the hub will connect to the proposed 400kV overhead line between Spittal and Beauly, as well as the existing Spittal 275kV substation. It will include an outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear substation and an HVDC converter station to transfer offshore renewable energy to demand centres via the Spittal–Peterhead subsea cable link.
Consent for Banniskirk follows the recent approval of the marine licence for the Spittal-Peterhead project, meaning all permissions are now in place for the subsea link to begin.
The Banniskirk Hub forms part of SSEN Transmission’s £22bn-plus investment to transform the electricity network in the north of Scotland, enabling the homegrown low-carbon electricity needed to meet clean power and energy security targets.
The need for the project has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator Ofgem.
SSEN said community feedback influenced design decisions to reduce visual and environmental impact, including landscaping and planting to provide natural screening.
The project will deliver substantial local benefits, including new housing, jobs, and supply chain opportunities, along with over £1 million in community benefit funding.
Construction of the Banniskirk Hub is expected to begin early next year.
Read More:
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Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said: “We’re pleased with today’s decision, which represents a significant step forward in supporting Scotland and the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
"Investing in the electricity transmission network is a key driver of jobs and economic growth, and we are already seeing the positive impact delivered by the Banniskirk Hub in the Caithness area.
"Through the creation of new roles within SSEN Transmission and across our supply chain, and proposals for community benefit funding and our housing legacy commitments, the Banniskirk Hub and other clean energy projects will leave a lasting legacy for communities across the north of Scotland."
She added: "Today’s decision marks an important milestone in delivering UK and Scottish Government clean energy and energy security targets – creating a hub for projects that will help build a cleaner, more secure, and affordable electricity system for generations to come.”
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