Skye Reinforcement

Type:
Transmission reinforcement
Location:
Highland
Rating:
132kV

Upgrading the transmission network on Skye with new overhead lines, ensuring connection for renewable energy and securing power for generations.

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Overview

Status: Project Refinement

Stage 3 of 5

5 joined together arrow shapes in a row each labelled with the stage number. The first 3 arrows are highlighted in filled green shades to indicate the project is at stage 3 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: (In progress)

    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:

    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:

    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

We are currently developing proposals to reinforce the high voltage electricity network from Ardmore on the Isle of Skye to Fort Augustus. The existing 132kV overhead transmission line from Fort Augustus to Ardmore is the sole connection from the mainland electricity transmission system to Skye and the Western Isles, and is essential for maintaining security of supply in the area.

Recent studies into the condition of the existing infrastructure have indicated that the section of overhead line between Quoich substation and Ardmore substation requires to be rebuilt, and the existing line removed upon completion of the new line.

Furthermore, as a result of an increase in renewable energy projects requesting access to the electricity transmission network, there is a requirement to increase the capacity of the overhead line to allow renewable developments to connect.

Fort Augustus Substation to Broadford Substation

We are proposing to construct a new double circuit 132kV overhead line (OHL) comprising steel structures. The existing Fort Augustus to Skye Tee 132kV trident wood pole OHL and the existing 132kV steel lattice OHL between Skye Tee and Broadford would be dismantled and removed once the new OHL is operational.

Broadford Substation to Edinbane Substation

The existing single circuit wood pole trident 132kV OHL would be replaced with a new double circuit 132kV OHL comprising steel structures. The existing OHL would be dismantled and removed once the new OHL is operational.

Edinbane Substation to Ardmore Substation

The existing single circuit wood pole trident 132kV OHL would be replaced with a new higher capacity 132kV trident wood pole OHL. During construction, the existing OHL and its replacement would run in tandem but on energisation of the new OHL, the existing OHL would be dismantled and removed.

A trident woodpole overheadline stretching across a body of water and over a rocky hill

Why is the Project Required?

Securing Supply

The current overhead line was constructed between 1956 and 1989, and after a long service is now reaching the end of its operational capabilities. The replacement is essential to maintain security of supply to homes and businesses along its route, as well as to the Western Isles which is supplied by two subsea cables from the north of Skye.

Connecting Renewables

There is demand to connect new renewable electricity generation on Skye, which requires an increase in capacity of the overhead line.

Network for Net Zero

We intend to ‘future proof’ the replacement line to allow the connection of additional renewables to help meet government Net Zero climate change targets, supporting the transition to Net Zero emissions.

Film: Over the Hills to Skye 1978

The film, produced by the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board (now Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) and Balfour Beatty, illustrates the trials associated with the construction of the original line which connected the Isle of Skye to the mainland of Scotland in the 1970s.

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.

An SSEN Transmission employees speaking with a member of the public at their door.

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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