ENERGY substations near Lochgelly and Ballin could see extensions and upgrades in the near future.

SP Energy Networks has asked Fife Council to consider a scoping opinion report to increase the capacity of Westfield Substation and the Mossmorran Substation from 275kV to 400kV.

The "transmission reinforcement" has been recommended by National Grid Electricity System Operator and being required for 2030.

It's part of the 'Tealing and Kincardine Upgrade Project' (TKUP).

READ MORE: Substation extension plans revealed for Central Fife site

A report explained: “TKUP comprises several different elements, which all contribute to the upgrading of the electricity distribution network to provide additional grid capacity across Fife and allow the increased transfer of electricity across transmission operator boundaries.”

The wider project would see overhead line capacity increase from 275kv to 400kv and it would see Mossmorran and Westfield substations extended to accept this increased capacity.

The extensions are ultimately aimed at boosting the north to south power transfer requirements and enabling onshore and offshore wind power to be transmitted to central and southern Scotland and beyond.

The plans are still in the earliest stages of consideration.

Scoping comes before the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to ensure the process focuses on the right areas of concern.

It also gives organisations and consultees the chance to comment on the scope and methods of the impending EIA report – which in turn allows SP Energy the chance to answer those concerns as part of the formal EIA process.

Fife Council will soon consider the scoping request and issue an opinion. SP Energy will then review that feedback and progress towards the production of the full EIA Report for submission alongside the request for Planning Permission.