Alexander sparked by Highlands jobs boost
Highland MP Danny Alexander has welcomed an Ofgem decision which could give a huge jobs boost to the Highlands.
The green light has been given by the regulators to a £1.2 billion investment by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission - part of SSE - in the Highlands' electricity network.
The new link, which will feature over 100 miles of underground and subsea cable, is needed to transmit a large volume of electricity from growing renewable sources in the north of Scotland.
Mr Alexander said: “Appropriate, efficient and sensitively designed energy infrastructure is desperately needed to support the growing renewables sector in the Highlands.
“As one of the UK's fastest growing regional economies, it is vital that the grid is ready to connect new generation in the Highlands and to deliver green electricity to the consumers who need it.
“There are a large number of exciting projects - including island, offshore wind, wave and tidal developments - which rely on the delivery of a modern and efficient network to fulfil their potential.
“This announcement is an important step towards achieving that. It also promises a welcome boost to Highland jobs over the years ahead and reflects the growing confidence in the Highlands' energy industry as a whole.”
