Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) is part of the SSE group and owns and maintains the high voltage electricity network that serves the north of Scotland.
In total we maintain about 5,000km of overhead lines and underground cables – easily enough to stretch across the Atlantic from John O’Groats all the way to Boston in the USA.
Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challenging terrain – including circuits that are buried under the seabed, are located over 750m above sea level and up to 250km long.
The landscape and environment that contribute to the challenges we face also give the area a rich resource for renewable energy generation. There is a high demand to connect from new wind, hydro and marine generators which rely on SHE Transmission to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users.
SHE Transmission is delivering a major programme of investment to ensure that the network is ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future.
Existing infrastructure
Completed
Under construction
Potential development
Advanced planning
1. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
Who we are Our responsibilities
As we are the only company that owns an electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland we are closely regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem. We are issued with a licence to operate and we must adhere to the terms of the licence. For this reason we operate on a very separate basis to other SSE businesses.
Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.
Overview of Transmission projects
What is the difference between Transmission and Distribution?
Electricity Transmission is the transportation of electricity from generating plants to where it is required at centres of demand.
The Electricity Transmission network, or grid, transports electricity at very high voltages through overhead wires, underground cables and subsea cables. The transmission network connects large scale generation, primarily renewables, to central and southern Scotland and the rest of Great Britain.
The Electricity Distribution network is connected into the Transmission network but the voltage is lowered by transformers at electricity substations, and the power is then distributed to homes and businesses through overhead lines or underground cables.
Other SSE Businesses
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc
(SHE Transmission)
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc
(SHEPD)
Overview of Transmission projects
Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning
Aberdeen
Peterhead
Kintore
Moray Firth
Blackhillock
Denny
Kincardine
Arran
HunterstonKintyre
Perth
Dounreay
Orkney
Spittal
Tomatin
Gills Bay
Western Isles
Shetland
Beauly
Mossford
Skye Knocknagael
Lairg
Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)
Mybster
Overview of Transmission projects
Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning
Aberdeen
Peterhead
Kintore
Moray Firth
Blackhillock
Denny
Kincardine
Arran
HunterstonKintyre
Perth
Dounreay
Orkney
Spittal
Tomatin
Gills Bay
Western Isles
Shetland
Beauly
Mossford
Skye Knocknagael
Lairg
Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)
Mybster
2. Fort William Substation Reinforcement
Project background
The growth in energy generation in the north of Scotland, including from renewable energy sources, has contributed to the need for strategic reinforcement of the existing transmission network, owned and operated by Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission.
The 33 kV network supplied from Fort William Substation currently has 80.4 MW of connected and contracted generation. There is a further 28.2 MW of generation awaiting connection which will exceed the existing capacity of Fort William Substation.
The aim of this project is to reinforce the existing Fort William Substation through replacement of existing equipment. The reinforcement will enable the connection of contracted renewable developments in the area whilst ensuring security of supply.
File
: Q:\W
SP_U
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0018
381
Fort
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iam
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: 05/
07/2
016
0 0.035 0.07 0.105 0.14Kilometres
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crowncopyright and database right 2016.
TITLE:
FIGURE No:
FORT WILLIAMSUBSTATION EXTENSION
SITE LOCATION
FIGURE 1
KeySite Location
Existing Substation Site
The substation viewed from the path across the side of Cow Hill
Site extent
Existing
Proposed (including planting areas)
Timeline
Planning process
The substation extension requires planning permission from The Highland Council under the Town & Country Planning Act 1997.
SHE Transmission is undertaking a voluntary assessment of the environmental effects that may occur as a result of the reinforcement works. This will be provided in support of the planning application as an Environmental Appraisal report.
The site is not subject to any specific policies in the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (April 2012) nor is it covered by any environmental designations.
However, it is close to a number of important designations as follows:
• Ben Nevis National Scenic Area
• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• An area of ancient and semi-natural ancient woodland south of the substation and the River Nevis
• Glenlochy Distillery, and the old and new Nevis Bridges, listed buildings, all within 1 km
• The West Highland Way runs to the south of the substation, following the minor road along Glen Nevis
As the existing site and proposed extension area is less than 2 hectares in size, the project is not classified as a Major Development and does not therefore require a formal Pre-application Consultation Process.
However, as a responsible developer 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 as we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
All comments and feedback received by the deadline date of 29 July will be reviewed and considered by the project team ahead of the submission of the Town and Country planning application.
The substation as viewed from the edge of the Fort William FC grounds
3. Planning Process and Timeline
August 2016Planning application submission
November 2016Planning permission received
April 2017Construction start
October 2018Construction completion
The project comprises of the following key elements:
• The undergrounding of selected overhead lines beside the site
• Creation of a new access to divert construction traffic away from neighbouring properties
• Establishment of a temporary site compound and welfare facilities for the project team
• Implementation of a landscaping plan to reduce visibility of the substation
• Delivery and installation of two new grid transformers and other essential equipment
• The dismantling and removal of the two 45 year old transformers and substation equipment
• Removal of the existing access and replacement with landscaping
• Establishment of a long term hardstand area for storage
Access• New site entrance away from neighbouring houses• Construction period – large access to take new
transformers• Construction compound retained for future use
• We shall also endeavour to maintain the pedestrian access towards Ben Nevis during construction
Landscape• Improved screening
Noise• Quieter transformers on anti-vibration foundations
to minimise additional noise
Drainage• Improved drainage and water quality
Plan showing the new layout and proposed construction access arrangements
4. Project Details
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
TOW
ER
EXISTING SITE ENTRANCE & ACCESSTO BE CLOSED OFF AND LANDSCAPED.
10M LANDSCAPED AREA
LANDSCAPED AREA
EXISTING ACCESS ROAD -TO BE USED FOR TRANSFORMERDELIVERY ONLY.
CONCRETELOADING PAD
CONCRETELOADING PAD
PROPOSED SUBSTATION DESIGN TBC.
TEMPORARY ACCESS GATE FORTRANSFORMER DELIVERY.
0.17
0.42
0.160.12
0.07
0.18
0.19
0.48
0.63
0.61
D.O.B= 0.84
D.O.B= 0.70
D.O.B= 0.56
D.O.B= 0.74
D.O.B= 0.68
D.O.B= 1.00
BLOCKED
BLOCKED
D.O.B
= 0.
95
BLOCKED
SEPTIC TANK
BROKEN
D.O.B= 0.68
STONES
STONES
UTL
UTL
UTL
0.36
0.17
0.36
0.45
0.24
0.67
0.66
0.52
0.49
0.25
EOT
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
MH
EL
MH
EL
MH
CL16.26
CL16.42
CL16.13
CL16.26
CL15.83
0.35,150Ø
0.34,150Ø
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
SF F
ENCE
Av
Ht=2
.6m
SF F
ENCE
Av H
t=2.
6m
SF F
ENCE
Av
Ht=2
.6m
SF FENCE
Av Ht=2.6m
SF FENCE
Av Ht=2.6m
SF F
ENCE
Av H
t=2.
6m
SF F
ENCE
Av
Ht=2
.6m
SF F
ENCE
Av H
t=2.
6m
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
0.70
0.70
0.88
0.88
0.44
0.44
0.44
DUTYEMPTY
DUCT
EMPT
Y
ELCL16.47
1.28
,150
Ø
1.40
,150
Ø
MHCL16.29
0.49,100Ø
0.59,100Ø
0.48,100Ø
RWP
RWP
RWP
LP
0.45
0.450.56
0.56
0.87
0.50
,100
Ø
EOT
1.05,100Ø
1.02,100Ø
0.46
0.13
0.20
0.36
0.12
0.45
0.34
0.59
0.51
0.23
0.50
0.85
0.62
0.45
0.42
0.42
0.38
0.33
0.66
0.640.32
0.28
0.430.43
0.58
0.34,150Ø
0.53,150Ø0.78,150Ø
1.25,150Ø
ER
ERER
ER
SVCL16.08
TARMAC
TARMAC
0.45
0.42
0.56
0.47
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
ASSU
MED
ASSU
MED
ASSU
MED
ASSU
MED
1.26
,150
Ø
ASSU
MED
ASSUMED
0.21GROUNDABOVE
ASSU
MED
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H
CABL
E
O/H
CABL
E
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H
CAB
LE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
O/H CABLE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
NC45ABSTONES
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
4
51
52
50
0.19
0.15
0.26
0.63
0.60
0.48
O/H
CABL
E
O/H C
ABLE
TOW
ER
UNABLE TO SURVEY
D.O
.B=
0.20
D.O.B= 0.70
D.O.B= 0.65
D.O
.B=
0.50
D.O
.B=
0.50
D.O.B= 0.45
D.O
.B=
0.60
D.O.B= 0.50
EXCL
USIO
N ZO
NE F
ENCE
EXCLUSION ZONE FENCE
EXCLUSION ZONE FENCE
EXC
LUSI
ON
ZO
NE
FEN
CE
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
SF F
ENCE
Av
Ht=2
.6m
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m
G
G
RWP
RWP
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
0.91
0.92
0.87
0.99
0.97
0.88
0.840.96 0.73
0.89
0.560.65
0.80
0.55
0.59
0.73
0.75
0.57
0.64
0.77
0.60
0.40
0.42
0.49
0.47
0.40
0.40
0.46
0.66
0.53
0.49
0.51
0.64
0.59
0.53
0.62
0.60
0.85
0.59
0.58
0.49
0.65
0.76
0.79
0.59
0.44
0.71
0.82
0.71
0.90
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.56
0.49
0.47
0.79
0.88
0.72
0.84
0.56
0.83
0.84
0.30
0.45
0.49
0.52
0.58
0.82
0.64
0.47
0.51
0.60
0.68
0.47
0.46
0.29
0.31
0.65
0.53
0.37
0.25
0.410.
33
0.41
0.32
0.41
0.57
0.50
0.60
0.30
0.34
0.33
0.37
0.34
0.48
0.44
0.51
0.19
0.25
0.39
0.26
0.26
0.47
0.28
0.33
0.39
0.37
0.39
0.63
0.56
0.55
0.52
0.42
0.77
0.43
0.38
0.43
0.38
0.61
0.48
0.45
0.46
0.37
0.32 (FIBR
E O
PTIC
)
0.39 (FIBRE O
PTIC)
0.37 (FIBRE O
PTIC)
0.32
(FIB
RE
OP
TIC
)
0.43 (FIBRE O
PTIC)
0.34 (FIBR
E O
PTIC
)
0.33 (FIBRE OPTIC)
0.37 (FIBRE OPTIC)
0.52 (FIBRE OPTIC)0.27
0.20
EOT
EXCLUSION ZONE FENCE
EXCL
USIO
N ZO
NE F
ENCE
EXC
LUSI
ON
ZO
NE
FEN
CE
EXCLUSION ZONE FENCE
EXCLUSION ZONE FENCE
EXCL
USIO
N ZO
NE F
ENCE
EXCLU
SION
ZON
E FENC
E
EXCLUSION ZO
NE FENCE
0.40EOT
0.40
EOT
0.42
0.45
EOT
0.49EOT
0.67EOT
0.72EOT
0.51EOT
0.40
,100
Ø
EOT
UTT
1.00
,.40Ø
EOT
UTT
6566
6768
69
76
77
0.45EO
T
0.50EO
T
EOT
TOWER
TOWER
TOW
ER
TOWER
O/H
CABLE
O/H CABLE
A9994H
TOP OF TOWER
TOP OF TOWER
B9994H21
S7AB
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONC
RETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
CONCRETE
JS1
JS1A
JS1B
JS2
JS3
JS4 A
v Ht=
2.6m
SF F
ENCE
Av
Ht=2
.6m
SF F
ENCE
Av H
t=2.
6m
SF F
ENCE
Av H
t=2.
6m
SF F
ENCE
THIS AREA
THIS AREAUNABLE TO SURVEY
BUILDINGCONTAINER
BUILDING
BUILDING
IL15.64
IL15.05
IL14.98
UTIL
ITY
TREN
CH
UTIL
ITY
TREN
CH
UTILITY TRENCH
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
KERB
BUILDING
=28.32
STONES
EUD
EUDEUD
EUD
EUD
EUD
EUD
EUD
ASSUMED
STEP
S
A
A
WIDER ACCESS REQUIRED FORTRANSFORMER DELIVERY ONLY.
TO FORT WILLIAMEXISTING
BRIDGE
1.8M VERGE
PROPOSEDSUDS POND
DURING CONSTRUCTIONACCESS FOR HILL
RUNNERS REQUIRED
ROUGH GRASS.
SKIPS
CONTRACTOR'S
TANK
CABIN'S
CONTRACTOR'SCABIN'S
SEPTIC
3M TEMPORARY EXTENSIONTO ROAD FOR TRANSFORMERDELIVERY (6M TOTAL WIDTH).
POSITION OF BELLMOUTHMAY BE MOVED TO ALLOW
TURNING CIRCLE PAST BRIDGE
GATESECURITY
GATESECURITY
R1500
0
R15000
SUBSTATION ROADEXTENDED TO 6M WIDE
Notes:-1. Transformer arrangement typical only, to be confirmed once
manufacturers drawings received.2. Delivery route shown indicative only and required to be
analysed once delivery vehicle is confirmed.3. This drawing does not take cognisance of existing timber
poles in the area to be developed.
Proposed substation and access route.SCALE 1:500
0m 75mm50mm25mm 100mm
Legend:- EXISTING BOUNDARY
Water pipe
Drain pipe
New road construction
Existing road to be upgraded
Landscaped area
New boundary fence
New Transformers (all new electricalequipment shown red)
Key Considerations
Design intent
The existing substation is relatively well hidden behind tree and scrub planting for users of the minor road heading to Ben Nevis. However, it is very visible to the immediate neighbours, who have a clear view in through the entrance gates. It is also clearly visible in winter from the west (from the football ground and Carn Dearg Terrace) when the leaves are off the trees. Due to the layout of the electrical circuits in the existing substation, the extension will require the removal of trees screening it from the west. The new layout and landscape proposals are designed to maintain the screening from the road to Ben Nevis and to improve the screening from Achintee Road and from the houses immediately adjacent.
Landscape proposals
• Create a low earth bund and planting to the west of the extended site to screen the site from the west
• Create a low earth bund and planting between the extended site and the road
• Removal of the existing entrance, and new planting to fill the gap between the existing trees
• Proposed planting to be native woodland species, including a proportion of evergreen species to improve winter screening
• Reinstated verge at the existing gate, and a verge in front of the new planting at the extension (leaves room for a footway if The Highland Council ever propose one)
5. Landscape
Caochan Dùbhaig
Cro Chaorach
Lay-by
River Nevis
Newton Parkhouse
TOWER
Construction compound,future storage area
Construction compound,future storage area
Existing trees
SUDS pond(relocated to avoid vegetation removal)
Existing trees
Old entrance stopped up,planting, verge reinstated
Relocatedsite access
Bund and screen planting
Bund and screen planting
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission aim to be recognised as a responsible developer and good neighbour. The reinforcement of the Fort William Substation may offer an opportunity to reduce the noise currently caused by our equipment.
In order to understand the effect of the proposed equipment on existing noise levels we will undertake a full noise impact assessment. This will include seven days of baseline noise surveys at two representative locations. Recorded noise levels and operational data will be assessed to establish the impact the new equipment will have on the surrounding area.
If required, the introduction of noise mitigation measures will be considered in order to meet limits which will be agreed in conjunction with The Highland Council.
6. Operational Equipment
Typical noise monitoring equipment
Existing transformers (grey) to be removed, busbars (silver) will be retained and connected to the new transformers
Typical cross section showing existing equipment retained (black) and new transformers and connections (red)
7. What happens next and how do I have my say?
Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to find out about our plans for reinforcement of the Fort William grid supply point.
Please take a feedback form. You can complete today, or you can post it back to us at the address provided. Information can also be posted out to you by our Community Liaison Manager upon request.
Comments can be submitted as follows:
At the exhibition today
Complete a Comment Form and give it to a member of the team
By post
Complete a Comments Form and post it to our Liaison Manager (details below)
By email
Complete a Comments Form and email it to our Liaison Manager (details below)
Please provide any comments to us by 29 July 2016.
Get in touch with our Community Liaison Manager:
Kelly Scott
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07342 026 270
Write: Kelly Scott SHE Transmission Inveralmond House 200 Dunkeld Road Perth, PH1 3AQ
What’s next
The project is in the advanced development stage and we openly welcome comments and feedback. We are very keen to ensure that members of the community understand our proposal as it will be taken forward to a Town and Country Planning application made to the Highland Council.
Once an application for consent has been submitted, there will be an opportunity to make formal representations to the Highland Council before a decision is made.
For further details and updates about the project, please visit: www.ssepd.co.uk/Projects/Highlands/FortWilliamGSP
Do you have any comments on the preferred proposals for the
Fort William Substation Reinforcement project?
Do you have any other feedback for the project team?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. If you would like your comments to remain anonymous, please tick this box
Comments
Comments
Any information given on this comments form may be used and published as part of SHE Transmission’s
consultation report. By completing this comments form you consent to SHE Transmission using this information
for these purposes. By providing contact details you consent to SHE Transmission contacting you in relation to this
proposal. Your details will not be used for any other purpose. If you wish your comments to remain anonymous,
please tick the box at the end of this form. Please note that comments made to SHE Transmission are not
representations to the Council as planning authority at this stage. The opportunity for lodging representations
will be when the application is formally submitted to the Council for formal consideration.
Your comments
Thank you for taking the time to attend this information event.
In order to record your views and improve the effectiveness of
our consultation, please complete this short feedback form.
Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
Name
Address
Telephone
Do you understand the need for the project?
Yes No
Has the presented information been clear and easy to understand?
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Comments
Comments