Line upgrade 'essential' to targets

Published on Tuesday 9 June 2009 22:04

THE UK will fail to meet its renewable energy targets unless a controversial extension to a transmission line across Scotland is granted permission, according to the managing director of ScottishPower Renewables.

Keith Anderson told The Scotsman the Beauly to Denny transmission line upgrade was essential for the development of the renewables industry in Scotland.

A decision on the highly controversial proposals, by Scottish & Southern Energy, is expected in the coming months.

The proposal for the 137-mile transmission line has met with opposition from more than 17,000 people afraid the large pylons needed for the scheme would destroy stunning areas of the countryside.

However, Mr Anderson said: "Any alternatives are so long– term and it would create such a delay that in terms of meeting targets by 2020 it would be impossible.

"If somebody says you can't do Beauly-Denny then the only viable alternative would be down the coast and that would be a huge delay."

He said also crucial for the development of Scotland's renewables sector would be subsea cables connecting to the islands and the rest of the UK.

A public inquiry has been held into the upgrade plans, which would involve installing 600 pylons along the route from Beauly to Denny.

The new transmission line – which would carry 400,000 volts (400kV) – would replace the existing 132kV line.

A decision is due by the Scottish Government this summer.