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Willowdale GSP

Project overview
Project updates
Project documentation
FAQs
Project Type: Transmission reinforcement
Location: Aberdeen City

Contact Details

Liaison Manager

Dav Lynch
Title: Community Liaison Manager
Email: Dav.S.Lynch@sse.com
Telephone: 07918 404443
Address: Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ

Land Manager

Michael Forrest
Title: Land Manager
Email: michael.forrest@sse.com
Mobile: 07384 454 039
Address: Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
Inveralmond House
200 Dunkeld Road
Perth
PH1 3AQ
Status: Early Development

Latest

Shetland September 2021 Event

June 2022 Public Consultation Feedback Form

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Investing in our future workforce

Jun 2022
Transmission Towers - Keith

SSEN Transmission take home Net Zero award

Mar 2022

Public Consultations

SSEN Transmission are hosting both face to face public consultations along with a virtual online consultation exhibition to gain views and feedback on our proposals to facilitate the installation of two new 60MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) adjacent to the existing Willowdale 132kV substation in Aberdeen

We would encourage members of the local community and all interested parties to attend the events.

The open-door drop-in face to face consultations will be held at the following location:

Tuesday 28th June between 2-7pm at Aberdeen Arts Centre

If you are unable to attend the above in person consultation, the virtual online consultation will be held on:

Thursday 30th June between 1-3pm & 5-7pm

 Please check back here on 30th June for the link to the virtual room. 

 

About the project

 

The existing substation at Willowdale Place supplies the distribution network in eastern Aberdeen, and was constructed the late 1960s.  All of the outdoor electrical plant has now reached the end of its design life, with the impact of the coastal environment having taken a considerable toll on their condition, meaning maintenance is becoming increasingly challenging.  The original design of the substation does not have the functionality of what would be built nowadays, so the proposal is to bring the entire site up to date, with an improved arrangement of modern plant, housed indoors. This will provide a network capable of the demands of the county’s net zero ambitions.

Main elements:

The works will comprise:

  • Replacement of the two grid transformers with more efficient modern equivalents of a similar rating, housed indoors.
  • Replacement of the open busbar arrangement with a modern indoor 132,000V (132kV) switchboard.
  • Upgrades to the control systems and standby systems, to provide a more reliable service.
  • Removal of the old outdoor equipment.
  • Upgrades to the site security arrangements, and access road.

Our 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.

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To make use of this function please click on the 'accessibility' button at the top right of the website. 

Legend

What is the transmission network?

It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.

The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV. 

How are Transmission network upgrades paid for?

Investments in projects are made by SHE Transmission plc. Electricity transmission companies are authorised to recover the costs of such investments through 'use of system' charges which are levied by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc on generators and suppliers of electricity. Suppliers recover their costs from all electricity customers. In order to protect the interests of customers, the transmission companies have to demonstrate to the energy regulator, Ofgem (Office for Gas and Electricity Markets) that proposed investments are necessary, are efficient and are economical so that the charges which are ultimately levied on all electricity customers are justified.


This means SHE Transmission is subject to a funding mechanism established by Parliament and regulated by Ofgem. Cross subsidies between different businesses in the SSE group is not permitted.

Who is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks?

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Logo

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is the trading name of Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution Limited, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc and Southern Electric Power Distribution plc.

How and to what extent are electricity consumers' interests considered?

SHE Transmission are regulated by the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the regulator responsible for representing consumers' interests. Electricity consumer interests are therefore one of our key drivers and this is enshrined in our statutory duties under the Electricity Act.


In particular we have a statutory duty to develop, maintain and operate an efficient, economic and co-ordinated transmission system. Since the costs of these projects will ultimately be paid for by electricity consumers, we have a responsibility to take cost into account with due weighting in a comparison against other important factors.

How are proposals scrutinised?

The Scottish Ministers are responsible for determination of applications submitted under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. Both statutory consultees and members of the public have the right to submit their representations on the application. All representations will be considered by Scottish Ministers in their determination of the application.
The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), as the regulator, has to approve all investment so project proposals are developed under license conditions.
Preferred route corridors chosen will comply with revised ‘Holford Rules’ which are the recognised industry approach to routeing overhead lines amended to reflect Scottish circumstances.

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Public Consultation Events

10 May 2022 11:13
SSEN Transmission are hosting both face to face public consultations along with a virtual online consultation exhibition to gain views and feedback on our proposals to facilitate the installation of two new 60MVA 132/33kV transformers, along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP) adjacent to the existing Willowdale 132kV substation in Aberdeen. The face to face consultation will be held at the following locations: Aberdeen Arts Centre Tuesday 28th of June, 2-7pm. These are open door drop in sessions, open to all members of the public and interested parties. The virtual consultation events will be taking place on: Thursday 30th of June between 1-3pm & 5-7pm. The virtual consultation exhibition has been designed to be fully interactive, allowing for presentation of key project information and plans, as well as providing an opportunity to ask questions about the project. Visitors will be able to engage directly with the project team, via a live instant message chat function, where they can ask any questions they might have about the project and share their feedback on the current proposals. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Liaison Manager: Dav Lynch (dav.s.lynch@sse.com)

Project Documentation

Willowdale GSP Consultation Booklet

Related Projects: Willowdale GSP

Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 07 Jun 2022
Willowdale GSP Consultation Events Poster June 2022

Related Projects: Willowdale GSP

Download
File Type: pdf
Published: 07 Jun 2022

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