Following on from our previous update confirming Balfour Beatty as our design contractor appointed to carry out further in-depth feasibility studies for the proposed North Argyll project, SHE Transmission can now confirm that Balfour Beatty have completed these studies which involved investigative ground survey works, engagement with supply chain specialists and provision of outline cable design parameters for potential routes from the vicinity of the Duncan Ban monument to Dalmally switching station where undergrounding is being explored. Now that the studies have been concluded, we are currently in the process of internal review, considering the outputs against engineering, environmental and economic criterium and conducting further analysis which is anticipated to be completed in the upcoming weeks.

We are pleased to confirm the appointment of our design contractor, Balfour Beatty, to carry out further in-depth feasibility studies for the proposed North Argyll Transmission Reinforcement. The initial focus will be to conduct further in-depth studies of the proposed cable alignment. This includes investigative ground survey works from the vicinity of the Duncan Ban monument to Dalmally switching station where undergrounding is being explored. The commitment to explore the feasibility of undergrounding follows feedback and consultation with local stakeholders on options for the proposed project’s design. We will also be progressing surveys and ground investigation works along the remaining section of the alignment to the proposed Creag Dhubh substation where it is progressing a proposed overhead solution.

Following our most recent consultation events in March this year, we have been busy reviewing all feedback received from the community and other stakeholders, as we continue to take forward the North Argyll project. In early May, following the conclusion of the consultation, we issued a press release confirming our intention to further explore undergrounding in places of particular local sensitivity, where it can be demonstrated to be technically and environmentally feasible, as well as economic to GB bill payers who will ultimately pay for the proposed reinforcement through their electricity bills. We have recently been active in this area, carrying out further walkover surveys with our environmental consultant and internal engineers ahead of engaging a specialist design and build contractor to further develop these possibilities, focussing on the area between the road to the Duncan Ban monument and the Dalmally substation. We aim to conclude final technical solution proposals by quarter 1 of next year. Considering the above and the timescales required to complete this work, we have an amended timeline for the project, still retaining the required completion date of October 2023 but with a revised date for submission of a consent application in quarter one 2020. Whilst this will result in a more intense construction phase it will allow us to develop and consider the further design studies being undertaken. We have also been working to complete our Report on Consultation which we expect to publish on the project website within the next few weeks. The purpose of this report is to inform stakeholders of how comments made during the Alignment Consultation have been responded to by SHE Transmission, prior to a request to Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit for an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Scoping Opinion. Due to the main focus of the Alignment Consultation being the alignment of an overhead line, the Report on Consultation naturally references an overhead line solution. It is important to emphasise that underground cabling options are still being assessed and we have therefore not yet determined our proposed final solution. We will also shortly publish additional Frequently Asked Questions, providing answers to project specific questions posed to us during the consultation events. We remain committed to engaging openly and meaningfully with the local community, elected representatives and other stakeholders as we continue to take forward the project and would like to thank the community for their constructive engagement and feedback to date.

In line with feedback recieved regarding the strong feeling in the Dalmally area about the potential for overhead transmission infrastructure, SSEN will be continuing to explore the feasability of undergrounding in areas of particular concern. To read more, please see the press release accessable via the following link: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/news-views/articles/2018/5/ssen-to-take-forward-further-undergrounding-studies-following-feedback-received-during-north-argyll-consultation/

Local community members may be aware that Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks had intended to hold public consultation events commencing from Monday 15th January 2018. Whilst the requirements for the reinforcements still exist, due to uncertainty surrounding key drivers we have decided to review the proposed delivery timescales. We have therefore taken the decision to defer the consultation events that were due to take place next week whilst we undertake this review. We anticipate that the events will be rescheduled for the next few months and will be sure to inform the community as soon as new dates are confirmed.