PICTURES: SSEN Spittal and Beauly via Loch Buidhe power line consultation set to generate debate across Ross-shire as Dingwall drop-in sets the scene
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A PUBLIC consultation on SSEN proposals to reinforce a transmission network taking in a vast swathe of Ross-shire looks set to generate plenty of debate.
SSEN is currently holding public consultation events on the plans for transmission reinforcement between Spittal and Beauly via Loch Buidhe.
The proposals involve additional 400kV substations and associated infrastructure.
Community activists in Strathpeffer have already flagged up that "the path of these pylons takes it very close to the village of Strathpeffer".
Some want the consultation to be opened up more widely and to involve communities at every stage of the decision-making process and to consider all the alternatives for the sake of the environment as opposed to being a 'tick box' exercise.
Others in Ross-shire and elsewhere are keeping a close eye on how the proposals might affect their communities and the natural landscape.
SSEN earlier gave an overview of its plans: "The north of the Highlands is home to some of the UK’s greatest renewable energy resource and will play a key role in enabling the delivery of the UK and Scottish Governments net zero targets. To take this power to where it is needed, we are upgrading existing lines and, where required, building new overhead lines and subsea cable infrastructure. To be able to achieve the government’s targets this work will need to be completed by 2030, in line with our pathway to 2030 plans."
Martin Godwin, community liaison manager for SSEN Transmission said: “Over the past two weeks we have welcomed over 600 members of the public along to our drop-in events, which have been a great opportunity to share more information about the Spittal to Beauly project, show the plans for our preferred overhead line routes and substation/HVDC converter station sites and take on board any initial feedback for consideration as we start to refine routes and substation site selections.
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“The events have generated some great discussion about the project which will ultimately help to deliver the UK and Scottish Government’s net zero targets, and play a critical role in securing our future energy independence through enabling clean, homegrown low-carbon power."
A public virtual event took place on Monday, March 6 offering an opportunity to view a digital version of the consultation events and chat directly to the project team.
Mr Godwin added: "Our online project feedback remains open until 31 March, and we encourage anyone with an interest in the project to visit our website to view more information about the Spittal to Beauly project and share any feedback they have.
“The project is in the early stages of development, and the feedback received on our proposals will help to shape our plans as we move forward with this scheme. We thank everyone who attended the events or has shared their feedback online so far, and will endeavour to keep them informed as the project progresses.”
More information can be found about the project on SSEN Transmission’s website: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/spittal--loch-buidhe--beauly-400kv-connection/
A public meeting meeting to discuss the proposed pylon line through Strathpeffer, Contin and Jamestown communities is being held on Friday (March 17) at Contin Village Hall at7.30pm.
SSEN briefing overview:
As the transmission network owner in the North of Scotland, SSEN Transmission is responsible for connecting new energy generation to the GB grid and transporting it to where is it needed via a high voltage 132kV, 275kV, 400kV electricity transmission network. Home to some of the UK’s greatest renewable energy resources, the north of Scotland electricity transmission network has a strategic role to play in supporting delivery of the UK and Scotland’s net zero targets.
In July 2022, National Grid, the Electricity System Operator (ESO), published the Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design (HND), setting out the blueprint for the onshore and offshore electricity transmission network infrastructure required across the UK to enable the connection of forecasted growth in renewable electricity across Great Britain. For the north of Scotland, this confirms the need for significant and strategic increase in the capacity of the onshore electricity transmission infrastructure to deliver 2030 targets and a pathway to net zero.
As part of its ’Pathway to 2030’ plan, SSEN Transmission is proposing to reinforce the onshore corridor from Spittal to Beauly, providing a new 400kV connection between Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly. These onshore reinforcements will comprise of a new 400kV overhead line and the construction of three new 400kV substations at Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly, alongside new HVDC converter stations at Spittal and Beauly to facilitate new 400kV connections. The existing overhead transmission lines between Spittal – Beauly will remain in situ.
