SSEN Transmission starts main construction at Lewis Hub, the node of the 1.8 GW link between the Hebrides and Scotland

SSEN Transmission, the transmission network operator in the north of Scotland, marked the official start of works at Lewis Hub on 5 November, at the Arnish Moor site near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. According to the company, the project is thus moving from site preparation into main construction.

What was decided. Scottish contractor RJ McLeod signed the contract this week for the first major package of works, which prepares the site for the HVDC converter station, the AC substation and associated infrastructure. Balfour Beatty, Linxon, Hitachi Energy and NKT will deliver other elements of the programme. In January, STV reported that Linxon had been awarded a contract worth almost £143 million for the AC substation.

The figures. According to the project page, the link comprises about 4 km of underground HVDC cable to Arnish Point, 81 km of subsea cable to Dundonnell on the mainland and roughly 80 km of underground cable to a converter station near Beauly. Once operational, it will allow up to 1.8 GW of renewable generation to connect to the national network. SSEN Transmission is targeting £125 million of spending with local businesses; more than 200 local jobs are already supported, and the RJ McLeod package is expected to generate around £16 million of local spending, according to reNEWS.

Context. The company says the islands’ existing network is at full capacity, so no new generation can connect without reinforcement, and the project would also reduce reliance on diesel-powered generation. “A direct connection between the Western Isles and the main GB transmission network has been an ambition for decades,” said Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission.

What comes next. A £1.06 million local fund for communities on Lewis is due to launch soon, and the company has committed £3.4 million to upgrading Arnish Road. The project is expected to support more than 70 apprenticeship and trainee opportunities.

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