The National Grid has recommended that work on the
Beauly-Blackhillock-Kintore electricity pylons project in Aberdeenshire
does “not proceed”.
As the owner of the electricity transmission network in the north of
Scotland, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks – operating under
licence as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission – has a duty to develop and
maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical electricity transmission
system.
David Gardner, Director of Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission, explained:
“We continually review the potential transmission network requirements
arising from different scenarios for future demand and generation looking
10 years ahead and beyond. This allows us to identify parts of the network
that may need strengthening or additional support, and begin work on the
long term investments needed to meet the future requirements of our demand
and generation customers.
“This year’s review of Grid options includes a change to the recommendation
on the potential 400kV reinforcement project between Beauly, Blackhillock
and Kintore that we have been developing to transport renewable energy from
the north of Scotland.
“In last year’s report the project was recommended to “delay” such that it
could be delivered one year later than originally planned. However, in this
year’s report the project recommendation has changed to “do not proceed”
which indicates that we should pause work on the project.
“We note this outcome and will now begin discussions with affected parties
(including generation developers and local communities) about how to take
forward the recommendations.”
Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West MSP and Shadow Energy Spokesman in
Holyrood for the Conservatives, commented: “I have received a significant
amount of correspondence from constituents on this issue, and I am sure
that many local residents will be relieved to hear this news today.
“I took a positive and constructive approach with SSE from the outset and
ensured that that the local concerns were taken on board.
“It should be noted that SSE has said the National Grid recommendations do
not necessarily mean the end of the need to reinforce the network at some
point in the future. I will continue to monitor the situation on behalf of
my constituents and maintain links with SSE on this issue.”
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