North-east councillors have been told that plans for a pioneering electricity project could transform Peterhead into a “global leader” for new energy developments
The proposed £2 billion North Connect project will be based at Boddam, near Peterhead, where a cable will stretch from the site to Norway.
It will allow Scotland to feed Norway energy – and vice versa – when power shortages take hold.
It is thought the 400-mile, 1,400-megawatt scheme could encourage greater investment in the renewable sector in the North-east and Norway, as well as create 200 jobs.
It is also hoped that the interconnector could stabilise household bills in the UK.
Yesterday members of the Buchan area committee met to discuss the planning application for the onshore interconnector station.
Presenting to the councillors, local authority planner Wendy Forbes said: “There is a need for a balanced energy mix. The majority of that is from renewables, but there is a role for interconnectors.
“There is a very established policy landscape for this that highlights the need for electric energy connections.”
Mrs Forbes said projects like North Connect could provide a “security of supply” at times “when winds are low or intermitent”.
“She added: “In terms of local benefits, Peterhead has been identified as a hub of electrical projects – hopefully a global leader in new energy projects.”
The project – proposed by a consortium of Vattenfall, Adger Energi, E-Co Energi and Lyse – has met with some local opposition.
At a predetermination meeting earlier this month, residents raised concerned about the noise and visual impact of the station both during construction and operation.
Others have raised environmental concerns, but Stephen Archer, the council’s head of infrastructure services, has called the project a “development of national importance”.
Peterhead South councillors Stephen Smith, vice-chairman of the region’s infrastrucutre committee, said: “It’s very important that the applicant gets it right at this stage if it is to go ahead.
“I expect not all concerns of local residents can be addressed but hope the applicant will work with residents going forward.”
The committee agreed to endorse Mr Smith’s comments. A final decision on whether to grant planning permission for the interconnector station will be made by the full council later this year.
