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| SP Energy Networks, in partnership with National Grid Electricity Transmission, is launching a public consultation on Western Link 2 - a major infrastructure project designed to support Scotland and the wider UK’s transition to cleaner, greener energy. The consultation will begin on Tuesday 4 November and run until Friday 28 November, with events planned in Kilmarnock, Girvan and Monkton, to give local people the opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share their views. About the project Western Link 2 is a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea electrical link – the most efficient way for electricity to travel across long distances - that will connect Ayrshire in Scotland with the transmission network in Wales. Western Link 2 will be able to transmit around 2GW of clean, green renewable energy at 525kV (525,000 volts). It will be the latest in a series of offshore HVDC projects that significantly increase the capacity of the UK electricity transmission network. Consultation process Our first round of public consultation seeks people’s views on:
The consultation is taking place until Friday 28 November for local people to give their views on the proposals. SPEN is holding three drop-in events where people can find out more and ask questions of the project team.
Date: Venue:
SPEN is also sending information leaflets to local homes and businesses, and more information is also available on the project website: https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/western_link_2.aspx Following the first round of consultation, we will develop detailed designs for the landfall, converter station, switching station and cable routes, including locations for access routes and working areas. We will publish a report summarising the feedback received in this first round of consultation and how this has influenced our plans. We will then carry out detailed environmental appraisals on the marine and onshore elements of the project and hold a further round of public consultation on the detailed designs. SP Energy Networks Environmental Planner, Claire Duffy, said: “Scotland is generating more clean, green energy than ever before - and Western Link 2 is a vital opportunity to make sure that power reaches the homes, schools, and businesses that need it, both here and across the UK. “This project will help unlock the full potential of offshore wind, strengthen our energy network, and support the journey to an all-electric future. We’ve identified a preferred route for the underground cables, along with proposed sites for the landfall point and converter station - but we want to shape these plans with input from local communities. “We’re encouraging people to come along to our consultation events to learn more and share their views. If you can’t make it in person, you can still view plans on the dedicated web page, and get in touch by phone, Freepost or email - we want to hear from you.” The first Western Link, between Hunterston in Ayrshire and Connahs Quay in North Wales, is already in operation, while five Eastern Green Link projects on the opposite coast are in construction and planning. People can give feedback online at the project website, or by emailing wl2@communityrelations.co.uk or writing to FREEPOST SPEN WL2. They can also ask questions or request a paper feedback form by calling the project Freephone number 0800 336103. |
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| About SP Energy Networks SP Energy Networks, part of ScottishPower, owns four regulated electricity network businesses in the UK and keeps electricity flowing to around 12 million people across a network spanning more than 170,000 kilometres. ScottishPower is investing £24bn - £18m every single working day – from 2024 to 2028, with two thirds being spent upgrading and building new transmission and distribution infrastructure to support UK growth.
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