Beauly - Inverness - Keith Reinforcement

Type:
Transmission reinforcement
Location:
Highland, Moray
Rating:
132kV

Upgrading critical infrastructure from Inverness to Keith, delivering energy security and support net zero goals.

Overview

Status: Operational Phase

Stage 5 of 5

5 joined together arrow shapes in a row each labelled with the stage number. All arrows are highlighted in filled green shades to indicate the project is at stage 5 of 5

  • Stage 1: Project Assessment: (Completed)

    During the Project Assessment stage, we’re committed to evaluating potential project strategies. At this stage, we provide information about the proposed project plans on our website for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on, as well as holding in-person events within the local community demonstrating our collaborative approach to the project's development.

  • Stage 2: Early Development: (Completed)

    During Early Development, we concentrate on refining the project details, based on our initial assessment of key environmental, technical, and economic factors to identify the best performing approach. We would like to gain further input from communities through accessible in-person and in some cases online consultations, which are crucial in refining our plans and strategies before advancing to the application stage.

  • Stage 3: Project Refinement: (Completed)

    The Project Refinement stage is where we finalise project plans and submit the required planning applications to the relevant planning authorities. Communities and other key stakeholders can provide feedback directly to the appropriate body such as their local council and constituent representatives.

  • Stage 4: Construction Phase: (Completed)

    Within the construction phase we mobilise our workforce, contractors, and necessary equipment to begin construction. We maintain open channels of communication, allowing communities and stakeholders to submit feedback on the construction activities to our dedicated Community Liaison Managers, ensuring ongoing engagement to any thoughts or concerns while we carry out work in the area.

  • Stage 5: Operational Phase: (Completed)

    At this final stage, the project successfully moves into the operational phase, with the surrounding environment restored to its original state or better. Our Community Liaison Mangers continue to be available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring a lasting positive impact and strong community relations even after the construction activities conclude.

About the Project

The 132kV double circuit overhead line between Inverness and Keith Substations has a total route length of 92km, 29km between Inverness and Nairn and 63km between Nairn, Elgin and Keith. The section between Inverness and Beauly was reconductored and reinsulated in 1992. The section between Beauly and Keith was constructed in 1955 and forms an integral part of the transmission system, which was upgraded between 2018 and 2021.

We invested in the network to fully refurbish many of the towers and replace the existing wires (conductors) starting from Beauly Substation in 2018 and finishing at Keith Substation in 2021. The new wires are capable of carrying increased amounts of electricity whilst ensuring the security of electricity supply.

There are some very challenging aspects along the route, including major road crossings (A82, A862 ,A96 and the A9), numerous railway crossings, and water crossings at the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. The overhead line also crosses through the residential area of Holm as well as historic sites such as Culloden Battlefield.

towers-at-the-back-on-nairn.jpg

Project Activities

Some of the project activities undertaken are as follows: 

  • Some tree cutting along the route as required
  • A number of tower foundation upgrades as required
  • Tower steel strengthening
  • New access tracks into tower locations as required
  • Reconducting works (replacing existing conductors and fittings with new)  

Two SSEN Transmission employees in PPE and climbing equipment, standing in front of an SSEN Transmission vehicle.

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.

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Project Contacts

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