SCOTTISH HYDRO ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PLC

Who we are

We are responsible for maintaining and investing in the transmission network in around 70% of the land mass of , serving remote and island communities.

As the licensed transmission company for an area with a significant amount of generation from renewable sources seeking to connect to the electricity network, we are required to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for projects committed to generating electricity.

Our investment programme

Over 300MW of renewable generation has been connected in the north of Scotland in the past year in the north of Scotland; and over 1,530MW in the preceding decade.

The investment undertaken by SHE Transmission is a significant contributor to economic growth in the local, regional and national economy.

Over the past two years, a study conducted in conjunction with PwC, has found that our Beauly to Denny project has generated around £85m in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Scottish economy and supported around 1,500 jobs.

We are planning to replicate the positive benefits from this project with the other network upgrades that it is progressing as part of a multi-million pound investment programme which will help increase security of supply, decarbonise electricity supplies and promote sustainable economic growth.

Project overview The to Hunterston Connection is a project to reinforce the 132kV transmission network on Kintyre by providing a new 132kV connection between Carradale Substation and the new Crossaig substation.

The Kintyre to Hunterston project has been split into 3 main components:

A replacement overhead line from the existing Carradale substation 14.4km north to the new Crossaig substation. An underground cable connection and associated access track will lead from the new Crossaig substation to Port a'Mhidair across the Kilbrannan Sound and (north of Arran) to During the development phase of this project, we assessed a number Ardneil Bay in North Ayrshire. Here, a connection by of different technical solutions and route options. This assessment underground cable to Hunterston Substation will complete the included micro-siting, pre-construction scoping, environmental and connection and the upgrade requirements. marine analysis. Substantial public consultation was also taken during that period.

Construction works at Crossaig substation began in August 2013 and the first of 50 towers was erected earlier this month (July 2014).

The project is largely located in SHE Transmission's licenced area, however 3.5km of land cable and associated substation works are located within Scottish Power Transmission's licensed area at Hunterston. Scottish Power will be completing the required works in

their licensed area. First tower erection above Carradale, Kintyre (July 2014)

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SCOTTISH HYDRO ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION PLC

Subsea cable

The subsea cable link will connect the new substation at Crossaig on Kintyre and Hunterston Power Station in Ayrshire. This link will consist of two circuits of 220kV High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) subsea cable, each approximately 41km in length; and 22mm to 250mm in diameter, between Port a' Mhiadair and Ardneil Bay.

A full geo-physical and geo-technical survey was completed in parallel with marine environmental surveys in the summer of 2009. The survey results allowed for the final selection of the proposed route which sought to maximise the potential for burial of the subsea cables.

The cable laying vessel is purpose built to install and repair subsea high voltage cables.

We have a Fisheries Liaison Officer on board to assist in the consultation with both Marine Scotland and fisheries association in the area that may be affected in the short term by the installation of the subsea cable.

A Marine Licence for the marine cable installation works was obtained from the Scottish Government in March 2012. Nexans Key dates are the successful cable contractors for the subsea cable manufacture and installation on the project. Establish contractor's compound at Portencross 3rd/4th Week in July Road and upgrade Golf Course road

Drilling operations at Greenkeeper’s compound 4th week in August—2nd under course to Portencross week in September cable joint bay Subsea cable route from Port A’ Mhiadair on Kintyre; around the north of Arran, to the Hunterston landfall at Ardneil Bay.

Site set up and mobilisation 3rd/4th Week in at Greenkeeper’s September Queries relating to Kintyre Hunterston project compound

Samantha O'Connor Communications Manager, SHE Transmission Drilling operations under 3rd week in coastal path, sand dunes Tel: 07584 313059 September—3rd week in and beach area to sea Email: [email protected] December Web: www.ssepd.co.uk/KintyreHunterston

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