THERE are plans for a new energy substation near Kincardine. 

Fife Council have received a scoping opinion request from SP Energy Networks.

The latest plans include the construction of a 400 kilovolt substation and associated infrastructure on 32 hectares of agricultural land at Hawkhill Farm, near Kilbagie and Kincardine.

The property is bound by the A876 to the west and the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line to the east. On the other side of the tracks is the A977.

And while the majority of the site is located within Fife, a small proportion to the west – including the proposed access from the A876 – is within Clackmannanshire.

The substation proposals are part of a number of upgrades that will “provide additional transmission capability enabling renewable energy” to be transported from northern areas to southern areas, most likely to England, where demand is highest.

“With electricity demand predominantly located in the south of the country and considerable renewable energy resources in the north, this leads to high north-south power flows on the electricity transmission system,” the screening request stated. 

“Reflecting prevailing policy objectives and the pipeline of offshore wind and other renewable energy projects in Scotland, this requires an increase in north-south electricity transmission capability so that energy can be transported to areas of increased demand further south in the UK.” 

The company say the substation would help the UK and Scotland to meet their green energy and climate targets by allowing more green energy to be transported around the country.

The screening request is designed to identify projects that might have significant effects on the environment. The council’s response will help the energy distributor understand the assessments and methods that will be required moving forward. 

Subject to all of the necessary approvals, SP Energy hopes that construction on the substation will commence in 2026. It will take approximately three years to complete. 

The council will consider the screening request and respond in due course.