Overview
Status: Project Refinement
About the Project
The proposed development is located in the local authority area of The Highland Council, between Aberarder Estate and Dunmaglass Estate. The new overhead line would extend for approximately 5km from the proposed Aberarder Wind Farm Substation into the existing Dunmaglass 132kV Overhead Line.
The overhead line (OHL) was initially specified as wood pole trident, however after engineering design works, wood pole is not considered suitable for the site location due to altitude and climatic conditions. An options assessment was completed to identify suitable structures for the local conditions. The proposed new single circuit OHL will utilise metal EaST Trident Steel Twin Pole supports. The connection will be an approx. 5km single circuit 132kV steel trident pole (EaSTs) OHL. The new circuit will be connecting into the existing Farigaig – Dunmaglass OHL circuit. The connection will be using an auxiliary wood pole adjacent to the existing circuit that connects to the new EaSTs OHL.
The circuit is proposed to be constructed using metal twin pole supports which are part of an ongoing development of a New Suite of Transmission Structures (EaST) as an alternative to metal lattice towers.
EaSTs
The proposed EaST structures are steel trident twin pole structures with three insulators. The (ADSS) wire is to be attached to one pole incorporating fibre optic cable with 48 strands which are used for communication associated with protection and control of the network. The nominal height of the proposed metal pole is 16.5m, although extensions currently required for some of the structures to account for topographical features means their maximum height along the proposed line may increase slightly.
Why is the Project Required?
The Developer, RES UK and Ireland Ltd, have accepted a transmission connection offer in respect of their development at Aberarder Wind Farm.
As part of its statutory and transmission licence obligations, we have a number of duties including:
- to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity
- to ensure that the security of the network is maintained as the demand and/or generation connections change over time
- the development and maintenance of an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission
The National Electricity Transmission System Security and Quality of Supply Standard (NETS SQSS) provide the criteria that we must use to plan and design the transmission system. The defined criteria ensures the security of the Main Interconnected Transmission System (MITS).
Other Associated Works
The existing 275/132kV Super Grid Transformer (SGT2) located at Farigaig substation, which is located near Torness, does not have adequate capacity to connect Aberarder Wind Farm and as such it is proposed that SGT2 will be replaced with a 240MVA 275/132kV unit.
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
Project updates
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We're here to lend a helping hand
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
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Planning Application Determination
The application under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, to install and keep installed 5.25km of 132kV overhead line between Aberarder Estate and Dunmaglass Estate located within the planning authority area of The Highland Council has now been determined and we welcome the decision by Scottish Ministers to approve our application. As a responsible developer, we will continue to engage with the local community before, during and after construction. -
Section 37 Application
SSEN Transmission has applied to the Scottish Ministers for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate approximately 5.25km of single circuit 132kV overhead line between the proposed Aberarder wind farm substation and the existing Dumnaglass woodpole 132kV trident line. A copy of the application, with a plan showing the land to which it relates, is available for public inspection in person, free of charge, during normal office hours atHighland Council Inverness Service PointNormal office hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9 am - 5 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 5 pmTown HouseCastle StreetInvernessV1 1JJandFarr Community HallInverarnie ParkFarrIV2 6XFThe application can also be viewed at www.energyconsents.scot. Any representations to the application may be submitted via the Energy Consents Unit website atwww.energyconsents.scot/Register.aspx by email to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit mailbox at representations@gov.scot or by post to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation. Written or emailed representations should be dated, clearly stating the name (in block capitals), full return email and postal address of those making representations. Only representations sent by email to representations@gov.scot will receive an acknowledgement.All representations should be received not later than 22nd July 2019, although Ministers may consider representations received after this date. The link below will take you to the application, using the simple search type Aberarder into Search by Project Name: then click on go.http://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx
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