The renewable energy sector in the Western Isles has taken another small step in realising the potential of wind power.

]For Scottish and Southern Electricity Network has just lodged a screening request for a substation at Arnish Point to facilitate a mainland connection for renewable energy projects.

The proposed works beside the Harland and Wolff fabrication yard will also reduce the current reliance on diesel generation.

News of the proposed development emerged when Scottish and Southern Electricity Network lodged a screening submission with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar regarding the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Scottish and Southern state that the proposed development does not require such a study to be conducted as the substation “would not result in any likely significant environmental effects.”

The proposed development of a High Voltage Direct Current Converter Station and ancillary Infrastructure, incorporating a 132kv/33kv Substation, would be within the existing limits of the current site at Arnish.

In their submission to the Comhairle, Scottish and Southern states that the new transmission infrastructure being proposed includes installing a subsea cable between Lewis and Little Loch Broom. 

The new Arnish infrastructure comes hard on the heels of Stornoway Wind Farm receiving Scottish government approval on January 5 to install up to 35 wind turbines.