Plans have been lodged to replace the existing overhead electricity line between Harris and Stornoway with a new stormproof design.
The multi-million-pound project by SSEN Transmission hopes to put a 132kV OHL wood pole trident line between Harris Grid Supply Point and Stornoway substation.
Steep terrain along the line means the current cable is susceptible to severe storm damage and often needs to be monitored and repaired. The new design will be more sturdy that the current single pole trident design which was built in 1990.
The replacement would increase network reliability and support a secure supply of electricity to both islands.
‘A more robust network’
SSEN’s plans come after more than two and a half years of consultations and liaising with the local community.
If they are approved, the new line will follow a similar route to the current one and the latter will be removed once work is complete.
SSEN Transmission senior development project manager Steven Miller said: “The proposed Stornoway to Harris overhead line replacement project will allow us to upgrade the existing 132kV connection in the area with new wooden poles which are more resilient during high winds and storms, allowing a more robust network and reducing the risk of faults.
“We believe our proposals strike the right balance between the range of factors we need to consider in the development of our major infrastructure projects, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of the project to date.”
Conversation