en.Wedoany.com Reported - SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) for a 132kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) station at Balallan. Located near the A859 road on the shores of Loch Stranndabhat, the switching station is designed to connect the Muaitheabhal (Uisenis) wind farm and manage power flows between circuits, enabling the safe and efficient transmission of clean energy to the wider grid.

The project will also connect the Lewis Hub to the proposed Stornoway Grid Supply Point, strengthening the island's transmission system and enhancing power supply reliability across the Western Isles.

The proposal underwent extensive project development and public consultation prior to submission, during which significant adjustments were made, including a reduction in the development area. The Western Isles Council is now reviewing the proposal, and members of the public can view the application and submit comments as part of the planning process until July 15, 2026.

Lyle Cairns, Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, stated that submitting the application for the Balallan switching station marks a key milestone for the project, which will support the development of clean energy in the Western Isles while strengthening local supply security. Cairns noted that in developing the plans, the team worked to balance feedback from the community and stakeholders with the technical and environmental requirements of the project. As a result, the development boundary underwent significant adjustments, and the site area was reduced to better meet project needs. He thanked all those who participated in the consultation activities prior to the submission of the planning application, stating that their feedback played a crucial role in shaping the final proposal.