The project, known as DWNO, is part of a wider programme of upgrades to the electricity network across the UK and is essential in moving renewable electricity around the country from where it is generated to where it is needed.
If consented the project could support hundreds of jobs and generate major opportunities for Scottish and UK suppliers including in steel fabrication, civil engineering, specialist contractors and local service providers.
It could also increase network capacity, reduce constraints, and ensure the electricity system is able to reliably support new homes, businesses, transport electrification and low-carbon industries across central Scotland.
The submission of the Section 37 application to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit (ECU) marks the culmination of a development process within which SP Energy Network’s carried out detailed environmental assessment of the proposals and extensive public consultation.
Two consultation rounds, saw community drop-ins, meetings and stakeholder briefings held to help inform the development of the proposals which will see substations upgraded to support 35 kilometres of 400kV overhead lines.
A new 19 kilometre section of overhead line will also be constructed between Bonnybridge and Glenmavis to bolster the local network.
The upgrades delivered through the project would connect to the existing transmission network and enable an additional 1,000 MW of clean, green electricity to flow from where it is generated to where it is needed.
The section 37 application is now available to view on the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit (ECU) website to see the application in full.
A hard copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and supporting documents that form part of the application is also available to view at the following locations during normal opening hours:
Bonnybridge Library; Bridge St, Bonnybridge, FK4 1AD
Cumbernauld Library; 8 Allander Walk, Cumbernauld, Glasgow, G67 1EE
Coatbridge Library; Buchanan Centre, 126 Main St, Coatbridge, ML5 3BJ
Wishaw Library; Kenilworth Ave, Wishaw, ML2 7LP
Denny Library; Davies Row, Denny, FK6 6FA
“Submitting the first consenting application for our RIIO T3 strategic investment programme is a massive step forward for our ‘clean-power 2030 portfolio’ but also in delivering the modern, resilient electricity network Scotland needs for the decades ahead” said Guy Jefferson, Managing Director of SP Energy Network’s Transmission. “Throughout the development of this project we carried out extensive public consultation and have been delighted with the level of engagement and constructive feedback which has helped inform and shape our plans. Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network helps us drive jobs and support wider development and economic activity both locally and nationally; giving steel, electrical engineering and specialist contractors the confidence to invest in their own businesses – creating jobs and economic benefit for the whole of the UK. At a local level it unlocks funding for local groups, supports job creation plans and help deliver a legacy for communities which host our infrastructure.”
As well as the Section 37 application, a Planning Application has also been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for an extension to the exiting Cumbernauld substation.
A single Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was undertaken covering all elements of the project and this can be viewed under reference (ECU00006380).
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