July 2025 Update
SPEN is required in terms of its statutory and licence obligations to provide for new electricity generators wishing to connect to the transmission system in its licence area. SPEN is also obliged to make its transmission system available for these purposes and to ensure that the system is fit for purpose through appropriate reinforcements to accommodate the contracted capacity.
SPEN is required in terms of its statutory and licence obligations to provide for new electricity generators wishing to connect to the transmission system in its licence area. SPEN is also obliged to make its transmission system available for these purposes and to ensure that the system is fit for purpose through appropriate reinforcements to accommodate the contracted capacity.
An application was received via the National Grid Electricity System Operator from the Knockodhar Wind Farm developer requesting a connection from the wind farm substation to the grid. As such, we are proposing to build an overhead line (OHL), to connect the wind farm to the electricity transmission system via Mark Hill substation.
This project will involve the construction of one new 132kV OHL supported on wood poles, typically 11m to 16m in height (above ground), including insulators, with span lengths of approximately 80m-110m and a total route length of approximately 2.09km. A section of underground cable approximately 500m long would also form part of the connection for technical reasons as it enters Mark Hill substation.
Consultation was held in 2021 on the preferred route for the OHL. Documents from the previous consultation, including a consultation feedback report are below:
The project has been subject to delays since the first round of consultation, but work has been ongoing to establish a proposed alignment for the OHL within the preferred route corridor, including environmental and technical surveys.
Following establishment of the proposed route, SP Energy Networks intends to submit an application to the Scottish Ministers for consent under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 and deemed planning permission under section 57 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. Submission of the Section 37 application is currently anticipated for early 2026.