Overview
About the Project
SSE Renewables are looking to increase their load capacity at Tummel Power Station, driving a connection modification application from our sister company SSEN Distribution, which requires an increase in the transformer capacity at Tummel Bridge.
It is proposed that a new site, adjacent to the existing Errochty 132kV substation, be developed to facilitate the installation of two new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP).
This new Errochty GSP will provide a 33kV connection point, to accommodate all generation and demand currently served by Tummel Bridge GSP, including the requested capacity increase for Tummel Bridge Hydro Power station.
Why is the Project Required?
There is insufficient room at the existing Tummel Bridge GSP to accommodate fire pools to meet current standards. The site is also over sailed by 132kV overhead lines, providing a considerable construction challenge, therefore the proposal is for the new transformers to be relocated to Errochty along with construction of a new 33kV switch room for SSEN Distribution.
Direct upgrading of the two 21MVA transformers currently in place at Tummel Bridge GSP was considered as a possible option. This option was however discarded due to the lack of available space at Tummel bridge GSP for 90MVA transformers.
The site of the existing Tummel Bridge GSP will be decommissioned and cleared of SSEN Transmission assets, as part of the work.
Transformers - What they do
Transformers allow us to increase and decrease the voltage of electricity when required, this allows delivery of electricity across the transmission network to be much more manageable and efficient.
Transformers vary in size, and in some cases, can require specialist haulage equipment to transport them to site. Our Community Liaison Team will work alongside all local communities that may be affected by the delivery of a Transformer to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.
Community Engagement
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
Site hours
Any concerns regarding the SSEN Transmission work to extend the existing Errochty switching station then please feel free to contact our Community Liaison Manager.
Project Newsletter
The newsletter will share an overview of the works underway and keep you updated with the projects progress during construction.
The newsletter can be downloaded from the project documentation section of this website.
Mobilisation
We are now proceeding with enabling works and site mobilisation and our Principal Contractor Burns McDonald will be mobilising their site welfare from 13 November with their sub-contractor Corries expected to mobilise to site from 20 November to commence vegetation clearance and tree felling activities in the area to the west of the existing site.
The site clearance and tree felling are expected to last 4-6 weeks and SSEN Transmission apologises for any inconvenience and disruption that may be caused while the site compound is established. We anticipate the impact of these initial works to the local community to be minimal, however, if you have any concerns on these activities, please do not hesitate to contact the projects Community Liaison Manager.
Planning consent
As a responsible developer, we will continue to engage with the local community before, during and after construction. We currently anticipate construction work to commence around late October.
Planning update
NPF3 has now been replaced by National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and forms part of the statutory development plan. A significant change from NPF3 means that under NPF4, our Proposed Development at Errochty is no longer classed as a national development due to its scale as it does not meet
the scale of development classed as ‘Major1’ development. The Proposed Development is therefore classed as a Local development for the purposes of determination by the Planning Authority. This was acknowledged by Perth and Kinross Council on 9 March 2023.
Due to these changes our original application was subsequently withdrawn on 27 March 2023 and has now been resubmitted, there are no changes to our proposals that were included in the original application and all the documents should you wish to view our application in full and submit formal comment to the council is available to be viewed via the Perth and Kinross Council planning portal, using the new reference 23/00526/FLL.
Planning submission
Should you wish to view our application in full and submit formal comment to the council our application is available to be viewed via the Perth and Kinross Council planning portal, using reference 22/01892/FLN.
Report on Consultation
Feedback period closed
Feedback period open
2nd public consultation event
Consultation feedback
Feedback period open
Proposal of Application Notice
Public consultations
Project Documents
Project Newsletter
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Errochty March 2024 Newsletter
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 2.7 MB
Project Documents
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Errochty Report on Consultation.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 October 2022
- Size:
- 416.4 KB
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July 2022 Public Consultation Booklet.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 2.1 MB
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July 2022 public consultation information poster.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 106.3 KB
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Updated Proposed Layout.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 29.1 MB
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April 2022 consultation information poster
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 195.9 KB
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April 2022 proposed-layout.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 1.1 MB
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April 2022 Public Consultation Banners
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 2 MB
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April 2022 public consultation booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
Project FAQs
FAQs
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