Power line move to enable renewable energy

The Scottish Government has announced a power line will be moved by about a mile to link renewable energy developments to the grid.

Permission was granted to move the 400 kilo Volt (kV) Anglo-Scottish interconnector at Bearholm near Moffat in the south of Scotland.

The change will provide a connection for developments in the local area, including the Harestanes wind farm.

Five 46-metre towers will be replaced at the same height.

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Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “These developments will produce jobs for the local area, save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide and power thousands of homes.

“In consenting this application I have put conditions in place which will protect local communities and wildlife. I am confident that this change to the interconnector will enable renewable energy developments which will provide great benefits to the local community and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100% of electricity demand generated from renewables.”

Developers SP Transmission applied to the Government in June 2007 for a change to the existing line.

The Government said one objection was received from a member of the public because at the time of the application the Harestanes wind farm had not received consent. That project was given permission in September 2007.