Finstown Substation - Orkney Project Public Consultation July 2018 Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney
Who we are
We are Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, operating under license as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) for the transmission of electricity in the north of Scotland.
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 lines, 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. It also helps secure supply by providing reliable connection to the wider network of generation plans.
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.
Overview of Transmission projects
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 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is delivering a major programme of investment to ensure that the network is ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future. Our responsibilities
We have a licence for the transmission of electricity in the north of Scotland and we are closely regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem.
Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.
02 03 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney
Existing network in Orkney Proposed Finstown Substation - what has happened so far? Why reinforcement is required
There is currently no transmission infrastructure on the Orkney Islands. The electricity network on To identify a site suitable for the proposed substation development, a site search area was Orkney is connected via two distribution subsea identified to the west of Finstown village. Site walkovers and desk-based assessment identified cables between Rackwick Bay on Hoy, and Murkle four potential substation sites requiring further detailed assessment. Bay near Thurso.
These cables were installed in 1982 and 1998 with a total Following detailed assessment, Site FT2 import/ export capacity of 40MW. Demand on the islands varies located to the west of Finstown village was between 7MW in summer and 46MW in winter. The current connected embedded generation in Orkney exceeds the identified as the proposed substation site, capacity of the existing 33kV cables and no further generation and was taken forward to outline design. can connect to the system at this time.
At present, the current level of contracted generation between National Grid (the system operator) and developers is for a minimum of 180MW of new generation by 2022.
To connect this level of generation, a transmission connection is needed between Orkney and the Scottish Mainland.
What new infrastructure is proposed? Environmental and engineering An alternative approach In order to provide a transmission connection that will facilitate the surveys and investigations connection of renewable generation, a marine cable linking Mainland To proceed with a transmission connection first requires Orkney and Caithness will be required. The new link would provide Each of the four sites was then subject to a detailed environmental, technical and Following the initial surveys to support the site regulatory approval from Ofgem, which in turn requires an additional 180MW of capacity. cost assessment, in line with SHET’s internal site selection guidance. selection process, a number of other surveys and the contracted developers to financially commit to their investigations have taken place at the proposed projects. The current regulatory framework requires The proposed main elements of this project are as follows: This assessment was supported by: Finstown Substation site, and these include: capacity to be allocated in chronological order based on • A new substation at Finstown; respective developers contracted position. • Desk Studies • Site Walkovers • Ecology Surveys • An underground cable linking Finstown substation to a • Bird Surveys • Bird Surveys • Peat Probing cable landing site west of Stromness; • Otter Surveys Due to a number of factors over recent years, such as • A marine cable linking Mainland Orkney and Caithness; • Habitat and vegetation surveys changes in government policy or the readiness and Given the location of the proposed substation, landscape and visual impact • A new cable route between the Dounreay marine cable landing • Noise Surveys commercial viability of renewable energy projects across assessments were undertaken for each of the four sites, and consideration was point and the new substation at Dounreay West; and • Ground investigation (boreholes and trial pits); Orkney, it has not been possible to proceed with the given to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site and Hoy and West • Construction of a new substation at Dounreay West. and transmission proposal through the current regulatory Mainland National Scenic area as part of this assessment. • Archaeology site walkovers and geophysics process. Public Consultation took place in November 2017 on the Orkney The potential substation site options were presented to Stakeholders and the public project, focussed on the substation at Finstown, cable route and These surveys and investigations are essential To try and overcome this impasse and help Orkney in late 2017, which included a number of public events held in November 2017 at potential overhead line routes. to understanding the current environmental realise its vast renewables potential, we are considering various locations in Orkney. conditions and ground conditions at the site. an alternative approach to allocate the necessary volume Further consultation was held in April/May 2018, with the main This will ensure that detailed design of the of capacity that is required to underpin the case for the The consultation events attracted over 102 members of the public from Orkney. focus being trident overhead line routes. substation can take place in a way which proposed 180MW Phase 1 connection. This approach In almost all cases, visitors were satisfied with the answers provided during the minimises impact on the environment, and would see capacity allocated on a ready to connect basis, event. Given the early stage in the design process, it was not possible to answer Further public consultation events are planned for late September will also allow suitable mitigation measures whereby those developers who are ready to commit to all questions, although feedback from the public was considered as part of the 2018, and will include Finstown Substation, the submarine cable to be put in place during construction. their projects would be allocated capacity. and overhead line connections. ongoing design process. ORCA have been engaged to carry out further This innovative approach, would first require approval From the analysis of the feedback, we understand that there is a strong sense The September consultation events will be the final opportunity archaeology surveys including trial trenching from both the energy regulator, Ofgem, and the System of concern around the visual impact of the project and what effect this may for the public to comment on the proposals for Finstown which are planned for late summer/early autumn Operator, National Grid. have on the tourist industry. Other concerns noted include the impact the substation and the submarine cable ahead of the substation 2018 to investigate the potential for unknown project would have on local residents and the practical outworking of ‘ready planning application submission and Marine Licence application buried archaeology in the western part of the site. in November 2018. to connect’ mechanism.
04 05 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney
Indicative design of the substation Key considerations
Landscape: aim to minimise Visual: aim to minimise Biodiversity New road bellmouth to be created. adverse landscape effects adverse visual effects and other
• Position the buildings into the side • Position the site so that as far • Microsite the substation to of the hill and create a naturalistic as practicable the buildings will avoid encroaching into landform to the north and west of be seen against a backdrop of particularly sensitive areas i.e. the site; hills and limit the buildings deep peat to the south or the significantly changing the better arable fields to
Proposed construction and • Design platform levels as low as horizon; the north; permanent access track. possible without compromising drainage and creating any risk of • Introduce small areas of native • Seed new landforms with native flooding within the site; planting to increase screening species mix appropriate to Possible construction compound. /filtering of views from closest location, maximising the • Seed new landforms with native properties; potential for habitat creation; species mix appropriate to SUDS pond. location, maximising the potential • Locate the substation platform • Introduce limited amounts of for habitat creation to limit any exposed rock native scrub and tree planting;
Diversion to drainage channel needed. cuttings being visible; • Design re-routed drainage Alternative construction compound. • Locate security fencing as far channels as natural burns and as possible behind landscape wetland features; Substation platform and operational area. landforms to minimise visibility • Locate the noisier pieces of electrical equipment as far away Area for gently sloping landscaping and planting. This will partly screen as possible from the closest the substation when viewed from houses (Note: because the the north and west. equipment is housed in buildings, this will also Area of rock cutting to make space for substation platform. reduce noise levels).
Area for Cable and overhead line connecting to the substation site.
Detailed design process As part of detailed design, and following feedback from Orkney Islands Council, Historic Environment The detailed design process is still ongoing. Key activities include: Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, architecture and landscape • Further development of substation design and layout. All the proposed substation architect design will be considered equipment will be housed indoors to protect against corrosion. The design process in detail to ensure that the design has taken account of operational and health and safety requirements for buildings, is sympathetic to the surrounding constructability and drainage requirements from substation platform. landscape and environment, while keeping the design functional. • Contractors invited to bid and provide tender submissions for substation design and Substation Dimensions construction. Tender reviews ongoing and contract award planned for mid 2019. In particular, building form, colour, As well as technical requirements, landscape and use of local materials will • Planning application boundary which includes operational and temporary and visual impact, and environmental issues • Review of two potential access road route options to the substation. The access road be considered, as well as the works is 33.32Ha more generally have been considered as an alignment route to the North of the proposed site is the preferred option as this route construction of landscaping to the north and west of the site, which will • Operational area (substation platform) is 5.65Ha integral part of the outline design process. is considered to have less impact on the environment and require less traffic movements/ disruption. help to reduce the apparent height • Substation platform dimensions: 285 x 253m (irregular L-shaped area) These have helped to drive the proposed of the taller buildings when viewed layout and the location and orientation • Minimising the land take and visual impact during construction by avoiding a large from properties, roads and the World • Substation building heights: vary between 5.5m and 14.5m of the proposed substation platform and construction compound adjacent to the A965 public road. The construction Heritage Site to the north and west. buildings. compound will be screened and located closer to the substation site.
06 07 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney
Visualisations of Proposed Substation
The following visualisations are from publicly accessible viewpoints highlighted in red on the map.
These visualisations show general principles and landscaping design may vary as cut / fill balance is refined.
View from position 2
View from position 1 View from position 5
08 09 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney
Aerial view of proposed Cable routes Finstown Substation A proposed 220kV cable route has been developed from the proposed substation site at Finstown to a coastal landfall area west of Stromness, near Warebeth.
The route chosen is considered to be most direct and constructable route, aiming to minimise the impact and disruption to the environment, local communities and public road network.
Discussions with landowners about the route are also ongoing.
The route was selected following a series of detailed walkovers and taking account of environmental designations, settlements and individual properties and the coastline itself to the south.
The route where possible, has avoided areas of peat and marshland. An overhead LIDAR survey was also completed over the route corridor to assist in further route mirco-siting.
The main constraints identified on Cables are generally installed using an open Contractors have been invited to bid and the route are the water crossing cut technique laid at 1.2m to the top of the provide tender submissions for the cable at the Brig O’ Waithe and the cable. A construction corridor of 50m is design and construction. Tender reviews will multiple archaeology locations. required to facilitate the works which will be be undertaken and contract award planned reinstated after use. Due to the long length for mid 2019. Traversing the water crossing of the cable circuit there will be several joint at the Brig O’ Waithe will be positions where link pillars will be sited above The Contractors will be required to provide with horizontal direction drilling ground or buried in underground chamber. access assessments for the proposed beneath the water. cable construction and detail any road The cabling works are expected to take improvements that may be required to around 18 months to complete. facilitate the works. Marine cable route
A submarine cable forms a During Spring 2018 and extensive and detailed marine Survey key part of the connection was commissioned which surveyed a corridor approximately The results from the survey were 1KM wide. This survey looked at used to identify a route that between Orkney mainland optimised cable burial, avoided and Caithness, The • Benthic Habitats, using Acoustic, grabs samples and sensitive habitats, steep slopes preferred option is a drop down cameras and wrecks. The key outcome route between Warbeth • Bathymetry, using Acoustic /geophysical sensors to was to develop a route that create a 3D model of the seabed complied with Scotland Marine in Orkney and land to the • Geology, looking at the shallow geology and sediment Spatial plan and minimised West of Dounreay thickness long-term disruption to other in Caithness. • Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), looking to identify possible legitimate sea users. UXO near the route.
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Project timeline - Finstown Substation Notes
Late Strategic Options Assessment 2017
Selection of preferred route between Orkney to Caithness
Stakeholder and Public Substation Site Selection Consultation Events
Summer Stakeholder and Public 2018 Substation Detailed Design Consultation Events
Formal Consent Consultations Prepare Planning Application w/c 24th September 2018
November 2018 Submit Planning Application
Spring Planning Permission Granted - 2019 Construction Begins Autumn 2019
2022 Substation Commissioning
12 13 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney
Feedback Your Feedback Thank you for taking the time to attend this consultation event. In order to record your views and improve the effectiveness of our consultation, please complete this short feedback form. We understand and recognise the value Community Liaison Manager Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS. (Please tick one box per question only) of the feedback provided by members Lesley Dow of the public during all engagements Q1 Do you agree with the proposed substation site at Finstown? and consultations. Without this valuable Yes No Unsure feedback, the project development team [email protected] would be unable to progress projects and reach a balanced proposal. 07876 837 490 Q2 Do you have any comments on the photomontages and 3D model presented for the proposed substation site at Finstown? We are keen to receive your views and comments in Lesley Dow regards to the following questions: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, • Do you agree with the proposed substation site Inveralmond House, 200 at Finstown? Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ • Do you have any comments on the photomontages and 3D model presented for the proposed substation site at Finstown? Additional information • Do you have any comments on the proposed substation access point? Information will also be made available via the project webpage and social media channels: • Are there any additional factors, issues or concerns which you wish to bring to the attention of the Project Team? Q3 Do you have any comments on the proposed substation access point? Project Website: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney • Is there any additional information you would like to see at the next consultation event in September? Follow us on Twitter: • Any other comments? @ssencommunity
Follow us on Facebook: Comments @ssencommunity Your views and comments can be provided to the project team by completing a feedback form or by writing to Lesley Dow, Community Liaison Manager.
We will be seeking feedback from members of the public and Statutory Bodies until 16:00, Friday 17th August 2018. Q4 Are there any additional factors, issues or concerns which you wish to bring to the attention of the Project Team? All feedback received will be reviewed by the project team and, where appropriate, will be used to inform further detailed design of the development.
14 15 www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney Finstown Substation - Orkney Project, Public Consultation July 2018 Q5 Is there any additional information you would like to see at the next consultation event in September?
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Thank you for taking the time to complete this feedback form. Please hand your completed form in at the event or alternatively by one of the methods below: Post: Lesley Dow, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ Email: [email protected]
Closing date for feedback is 16:00, Friday 17th August 2018. The feedback form and all information provided at the event can also be downloaded from the dedicated website: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney Any information given on the feedback form can be used and published anonymously as part of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks consultation report. By completing this feedback form you consent to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks using feedback for this purpose.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is a trading name of: Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution Limited Registered in Scotland No. SC213459; Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Registered in Scotland No. SC213461; Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc Registered in Scotland No. SC213460; (all having their Registered Offices at Inveralmond House 200 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 3AQ); and Southern Electric Power Distribution plc Registered in England & Wales No. 04094290 having its Registered Office at Number One Forbury Place, 43 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3JH which are members of the SSE Group.