The decision by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar follows more than two years of development and extensive community and stakeholder engagement, which will build the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station and AC substation near Stornoway. 

The Lewis Hub is a key part of the Western Isles HVDC Connection Project that will establish a high voltage subsea and underground transmission link connecting to the proposed Fanellan substation development near Beauly, enabling 1.8GW of new renewable electricity generation.

It will connect the Western Isles to the GB transmission network for the first time and follows a two-decade-long wait for a connection to unlock the vast renewable energy potential of the Western Isles, and the associated benefits that will propel economic growth.

The development forms part of Perth-headquartered SSEN Transmission’s £22 billion investment to transform the electricity network in the north of Scotland, enabling the homegrown low-carbon electricity needed to meet clean power and energy security targets. The need for the project has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator Ofgem.

Community feedback has played a major role in shaping the Lewis Hub. SSEN Transmission opted not to proceed with its original preferred site at Creed North following input from local residents and landowners, instead selecting the current site at Arnish Moor near Stornoway.

SSEN Transmission said the project will deliver substantial local benefits, including new housing, jobs, and supply chain opportunities, along with £1.06 million in community benefit funding which is the total amount of funding available for the development under the UK Government’s guidance on the delivery of Community Funds for Transmission Infrastructure.

Local benefits already being delivered by the Lewis Hub include:

• Multi-million-pound funding to unlock the development of nearly 100 new homes near Stornoway, which will initially house construction workers but will pass to the local community and provide a substantial boost for affordable home provision in Lewis.
• £3.4m to upgrade a road leading to Arnish Point near Stornoway, improving access to Stornoway Port and supporting local economic development.
• Significant funding to expand Macaulay College, providing new facilities to help students reach their potential. 

With consent now granted, construction of the Lewis Hub is expected to begin early next year.

Alison Hall, director of development for SSEN Transmission, said: “We are delighted with today’s decision, which will play a major role in supporting Scotland and the UK’s clean energy ambitions, and help fulfil a decades-long ambition to connect the Western Isles to the GB transmission network.

“Investing in this local electricity transmission network connection is also a major driver of jobs and economic activity, and we are already seeing the positive impact the Lewis Hub is delivering through new housing and infrastructure upgrades supporting economic and social growth for the islands.

“With the creation of new jobs within SSEN Transmission and our supply chain partners, as well as proposals for community benefit funding and our housing legacy commitments, our projects will deliver a lasting legacy in communities across the north of Scotland including in the Western Isles.

“Today’s decision marks a key milestone in delivering UK and Scottish Government energy targets – creating a hub for clean energy projects that will help build a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for generations to come.”

Colin Bell, lead development project manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “Today’s decision is the culmination of a detailed development process where we have sought to achieve the best balance from a community, environmental and technical perspective, listening closely to the views of the local community with whom we have consulted extensively.

“Our move from the original Creed North site to Arnish Moor demonstrates our willingness to listen and act on feedback, and we thank everyone who engaged with us during our pre-application consultations, which were vital in shaping our proposals. We will continue to engage constructively with the local community throughout the lifetime of this project, as we fulfil our commitment to being a good neighbour and delivering a positive legacy.”