News Archive
September 2010
Power-line boost for firth plan is hailed
Published: 27/01/2010 15:22
Press & Journal, Aberdeen
The prospects for marine energy developments in the Pentland Firth have been boosted by the go-ahead for major improvements in the power line running from Caithness to the central belt.
The major increase in capacity in the grid is needed to carry the power when the subsea ventures go into full commercial mode.
According to Eann Sinclair, manager of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership, the green light for the controversial upgrade of the Beauly to Denny power line clears a major obstacle.
"It's good news as the grid was the big blocker," he said yesterday.
Mr Sinclair said the go-ahead has also led to confirmation of the powering up of the line between Dounreay and Beauly.
It is now due to start in 2010/11 and to be completed by autumn 2012.
Plans are also afoot to strengthen the spur line from north-east Caithness in 2013 and reinforce the subsea cable link from Orkney to the mainland in 2014.
The go-ahead for the £71million upgrade of the Dounreay to Beauly line has been welcomed by north SNP MSP Rob Gibson. He said "This is excellent news for the north economy. The scheme will encourage renewable energy providers to the area, especially those in the Pentland Firth."
