SP Energy Networks has closed the first phase of public consultation on its Western Link 2 project, following a series of local events and online submissions.

Developed by SP Energy Networks in partnership with National Grid Electricity Transmission, Western Link 2 is a major High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea connection linking Ayrshire in Scotland to the electricity transmission network in Wales.

The consultation sought feedback on four core elements of the scheme:

• A 13km underground cable connecting a new converter station next to Kilmarnock South Substation to a coastal landfall near Monkton, Ayrshire

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• A 30km offshore HVDC cable from Monkton to a new switching station at Grangestone industrial estate, north of Girvan in Ayrshire

• An offshore HVDC cable between Grangestone industrial estate and Wales

• A new underground cable and a converter station in Wales

With this initial consultation complete, the project team will now refine detailed designs for the landfall, converter station, switching station and cable routes, including access routes and working areas.

A report will be published summarising the feedback received and explaining how it has informed the evolving plans.

Detailed environmental appraisals covering the marine and onshore elements will follow, ahead of a further round of public consultation on the detailed designs.

SP Energy Networks will apply to East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils for planning permission in principle (PiP) under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act.