SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is required under its license obligations to provide a 33 kV overhead line (OHL) grid connection from the proposed Enoch Hill 2 (formerly Monquhill) Wind Farm to the consented Enoch Hill Wind Farm substation in East Ayrshire.
SP Transmission plc (SPT) on behalf of SPEN, operates and maintains the transmission network as the transmission licence holder for the area. SPT is obligated under Section 9 of The Electricity Act 1989 to:
- Develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.
- Facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity.
SPT is obliged to provide a connection to the existing network for the wind farm. To connect the development, SPEN is proposing to construct a new 33kV overhead lines on wooden ‘H’ poles from the Enoch Hill 2 wind farm substation to the wind farm substation at Enoch Hill wind farm, in East Ayrshire. The route is c.4.9km in length.
The preferred route option for the connection can be viewed below
Enoch Hill 2 Wind Farm Connection: Preferred Route
Following consultation of the preferred route and route selection process in 2022, the project received a screening opinion from the Scottish Government on the 28th September 2023, in which it was determined that the proposed development does NOT constitute EIA development.
Work is underway to refine the final alignment for the grid connection. Despite the confirmation that an EIA is not required, SPEN still intends to undertake an environmental appraisal of the proposed development. A report of the environmental appraisal will accompany the application for Section 37 consent to the Scottish Ministers.