Final routes for Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly and Beauly-Blackhillock-New Deer-Peterhead power lines in Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire are revealed by SSEN Transmission
The finalised routes for two controversial 400KV overhead power lines through the Highlands have been announced.
Following months and years of development and consultation, SSEN Transmission today unveiled the exact routes that it plans to take the Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly line as well as that of the Beauly-Blackhillock-New Deer-Peterhead transmission project. Three new substations are also planned on the Spittal-Beauly line; and four will be built on the Beauly-Peterhead route, as well as new HVDC converters at either end.
They will now go forward to the planning consent and development stage, if the proposals are approved.
A series of “public engagement events” is also planned in February and March, as well as a webinar on February 4.
A number of alterations have been made following the long consultation process, which included dozens of public events. For the northern line between Spittal and Beauly, the alterations include opting for the more inland of two possible routes near Dunbeath, another inland option for the line’s route near Helmsdale, and “micrositing” of towers near Culrain and Carbisdale Castle in response to vocal local concerns.
There have also been a number of changes to the line from Beauly to Aberdeenshire. These include adjustments to tower positions “at several points” to take them further from homes, historic monuments and to minimise disruption to land use.
The western approach to the River Spey crossing will also be realigned to avoid “potential disturbance” to the water supply.
Removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines is also being explored “where technically practical and appropriate” to avoid cumulative impacts on that particular route.
Reports detailing the routes of the two projects have now been published - to find out the details for Spittal-Beauly click here; and for the report detailing the Beauly-Peterhead line click here.
The proposed new transmission lines form what SSEN Transmission says are a “key part” of its plans to upgrade the transmission network across the north of Scotland. This £20bn ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme will increase capacity on the grid and enable more renewable power projects to come online.
The new reports on consultation provide a summary of the feedback received in response to proposals for the overhead lines, how this has been considered, and confirmation of final overhead line route alignments being taken forward.
All other route alignments and the proposed locations for Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly substations are “being progressed in line with SSEN Transmission’s initial preferred options”.
Rebecca Gay and Catherine Swan, the senior development project managers for the two lines, said: “We have engaged extensively with local communities and stakeholders throughout the development of this project, and we would like to thank all those who have taken the time to provide the constructive feedback that has helped to shape our proposals.
“Our final report on consultation reflects the important role this engagement has played, resulting in changes… to mitigate local concerns.
“Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is crucial if we are to achieve the country’s energy security and clean power objectives, and it’s also a major driver of jobs and economic activity locally and across the north of Scotland.
“We will be holding a further series of public engagement events where we will present our final alignment plans for the development of this critical national infrastructure.”
On Tuesday, February 4, SSEN Transmission will host a webinar providing an overview of the publication of the Reports on Consultations for its proposed 400kV overhead line projects being delivered as part of the Pathway to 2030 programme, including the Spittal to Beauly, and the Beauly to Peterhead routes. The webinar will also look ahead to the upcoming public engagement events.
Further details about the webinar, including how to register, are available here.