DOCSLIB.ORG

Dounreay – Mybster 275 / 132 Kv Environmental Statement: Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Dounreay – Mybster 275 / 132 Kv Environmental Statement: Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary Dounreay – Mybster 275 / 132 kV Environmental Statement: Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary January 2013 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay – Mybster 275 / 132 kV Environmental Statement: Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary Published by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc 10 Henderson Road Inverness IV1 1SN January 2013 Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary LT000023 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV CONTENTS 1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 1 2 THE CONSENT APPLICATIONS 3 2.1 NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT 3 2.2 SECTION 37 CONSENTS 3 2.3 DEEMED PLANNING PERMISSION 3 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS 4 4 CONSULTATION 7 4.1 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 7 4.2 SCOPING 7 5 ROUTE SELECTION AND ALTERNATIVES 8 5.2 ROUTEING PRINCIPLES 8 5.3 ALTERNATIVE ROUTE CORRIDORS AND ALIGNMENTS 9 6 THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 10 6.1 INTRODUCTION 10 6.2 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY 10 6.3 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION 11 6.4 ORNITHOLOGY 11 6.5 CULTURAL HERITAGE 12 6.6 GEOLOGY, HYDROGEOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY 12 6.7 SOILS, LAND USE AND AGRICULTURE 13 6.8 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT 13 6.9 RECREATION AND TOURISM 13 6.10 NOISE ENVIRONMENT 14 7 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 15 7.1 MITIGATION 15 7.2 POSITIVE EFFECTS 15 7.3 NEGATIVE EFFECTS 16 7.4 MINOR EFFECTS - LANDSCAPE 16 7.5 OTHER MINOR EFFECTS 17 7.6 TEMPORARY EFFECTS 17 7.7 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS 17 8 NEXT STEPS 19 Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary LT000023 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary LT000023 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV 1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 This document is the Non-Technical Summary (NTS) of the Environmental Statement (ES) which reports on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that has been carried out. The ES has been prepared to accompany two separate applications under section 37 (s37) of the Electricity Act 1989, to construct and maintain the following overhead transmission lines (OHL) in Caithness (the Proposed Developments): a proposed 275 kV OHL between Dounreay and Spittal substations; and a proposed 132 kV OHL between Spittal and Mybster substations. 1.1.2 The applications are being made by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) (the Applicant). 1.1.3 Both OHLs will be constructed using lattice steel towers. The exact location of individual towers will be subject to further agreements with landowners, site investigations and detailed design. The s37 applications and the ES define a three dimensional Limit of Deviation (OHL LOD) for which consents to construct the OHLs are being sought. An additional LOD is also defined to accommodate the associated construction works including access tracks (associated works LOD). The OHL LOD and associated works LOD (the LODs) for the Proposed Developments are shown in Figures NTS 1.1 to NTS 1.3. 1.1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that identifies and assesses the potential environmental impacts (both positive and negative) of certain types of development for which consent is being sought, and aims to prevent, reduce or control negative environmental impacts. The requirements for EIA, the procedures to be followed and the information to be provided in the ES are set out Regulations: in this case, the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000. 1.1.5 The aims of this NTS are to summarise the content and the main findings of the ES in a clear and consistent manner to assist the public in understanding what the environmental effects of the Proposed Developments are likely to be. The full ES (Volume 2: Main Report; Volume 3: Figures; Volume 4: Technical Appendices) provides a more detailed description of the LODs, the characteristics of the Proposed Developments and the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 1.1.6 The full ES and supporting Technical Appendices can be viewed at the following locations: Thurso Service Point Caithness Planning and Building Council Offices Standards Office Rotterdam street Market Square Thurso, KW14 7AF Wick, KW1 4AB Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary NTS 1 LT000023 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV Thurso Library Caithness Mobile Library (Wick) Davidson’s Lane Thurso Caithness KW14 7AF 1.1.7 Copies of this NTS can be obtained free of charge from: SHE Transmission Community Liaison Manager Marianne Townsley 10 Henderson Road Inverness IV1 1SN 1.1.8 Electronic versions of the applications, including the ES, are available to download from the Applicant's website at www.sse.com/DounreayMybster. 1.1.9 Copies of the full ES and Technical Appendices are also available at a cost of £200 in hard copy format (including postage and packaging) or on CD-ROM (price £20). Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary NTS 2 LT000023 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV 2 THE CONSENT APPLICATIONS 2.1 Need for Development 2.1.1 The Proposed Developments essentially replace and reinforce existing 132 kV OHLs between Dounreay and Mybster substations and form an integral part of the reinforcement of the existing 132 kV and 275 kV transmission network between Beauly and Dounreay. This forms an element of the Caithness, Moray Firth and Shetland (CMS) Strategy to enable significant new renewable energy generation in the north of Scotland. This increase in renewable energy generation is being encouraged by the Scottish Government as a key part of its policy to tackle climate change and create sustainable economic growth. 2.2 Section 37 Consents 2.2.1 The Applicant is seeking two separate consents under s37 of the Electricity Act 1989 for installation of the following OHLs: the proposed 275 kV OHL from Dounreay to Spittal supported by lattice steel towers, via a proposed new substation south of Thurso; and the proposed 132 kV OHL from Spittal to Mybster, also supported by lattice steel towers. 2.3 Deemed Planning Permission 2.3.1 In addition to the s37 consents, deemed planning permission is also being sought under section 57 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1997 (as amended) for certain associated works including: the creation of new temporary and permanent access tracks; limited widening of access junctions onto existing roads in certain locations; and other temporary construction requirements (construction compounds, temporary scaffolding to existing OHLs) to facilitate construction of the Proposed Developments. Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary NTS 3 LT000023 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS 3.1 Overview of the Proposed Developments 3.1.1 The Proposed Developments are located within Caithness and cover a linear development area of approximately 30 km between the existing Dounreay substation (NGR NC 983 666) to the west, the proposed location for a new Thurso South substation (NGR NC 122 649) to the north, and the proposed extension of the existing Mybster substation (NGR ND 169 516) to the south. 3.1.2 The Proposed Developments will involve the construction of 26 km of double circuit 275 kV OHL, supported on lattice steel towers, between the existing substation at Dounreay, and a proposed substation at Spittal, via a proposed substation at Geiselittle, south of Thurso (known as Thurso South) (the proposed 275 kV OHL); and 4 km of double circuit 132 kV OHL supported on lattice steel towers between the proposed substation at Spittal and a proposed extension to the existing Mybster substation (the proposed 132 kV OHL). 3.1.3 The Proposed Developments will also require associated works for which deemed consent is required, as described in Section 2 above. In addition, the LODs have been defined to accommodate temporary diversion works. These may be the subject of separate s37 applications depending on the detailed design. 3.1.4 For much of their length the Proposed Developments will follow the general route of the existing 132 kV OHL. The final design of the Proposed Developments will be confirmed through further design development prior to construction. Key parameters for which consent is being sought are defined by three dimensional Limits of Deviation (LOD) in which the Proposed Developments will be constructed (‘the OHL LOD’). 3.1.5 Access will be required to construct the towers and string conductors. The access requirements have not been finalised at this stage. For the purposes of this assessment, an indicative access strategy has been developed which describes where existing tracks are anticipated to be upgraded, and where new permanent and new temporary tracks may also be established. 3.1.6 The associated works LOD accommodates the requirements of the indicative access strategy and also defines the area within which other works associated with the construction of the Proposed Developments will take place. 3.1.7 Construction of the Proposed Developments is expected to take approximately 36 months. Construction will be completed in phases and will include: ‘enabling works’ (preconstruction preparations, construction of access tracks); followed by installation of tower foundations and towers; after which the OHL conductors will be strung between the towers. Following l commissioning of the Proposed Developments, all construction sites will be reinstated. 3.1.8 Temporary diversions of the existing 132 kV OHL will be required at certain locations in order to complete the construction of the Proposed Developments. This will be carefully programmed to ensure risk to the electricity transmission network and customer supply is minimised at all times. Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary NTS 4 LT000023 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc Dounreay - Mybster 275 / 132 kV 3.1.9 Maintenance activities will be required throughout the life of the Proposed Developments and these will include regular line and tower inspections, to check for natural wear and tear, but also may include occasional unscheduled maintenance in response to unanticipated events, such as inclement weather.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 小型飛翔体／海外 ［Format 2］ Technical Catalog Category
    小型飛翔体／海外 ［Format 2］ Technical Catalog Category Airborne contamination sensor Title Depth Evaluation of Entrained Products (DEEP) Proposed by Create Technologies Ltd & Costain Group PLC １．DEEP is a sensor analysis software for analysing contamination. DEEP can distinguish between surface contamination and internal / absorbed contamination. The software measures contamination depth by analysing distortions in the gamma spectrum. The method can be applied to data gathered using any spectrometer. Because DEEP provides a means of discriminating surface contamination from other radiation sources, DEEP can be used to provide an estimate of surface contamination without physical sampling. DEEP is a real-time method which enables the user to generate a large number of rapid contamination assessments- this data is complementary to physical samples, providing a sound basis for extrapolation from point samples. It also helps identify anomalies enabling targeted sampling startegies. DEEP is compatible with small airborne spectrometer/ processor combinations, such as that proposed by the ARM-U project – please refer to the ARM-U proposal for more details of the air vehicle. Figure 1: DEEP system core components are small, light, low power and can be integrated via USB, serial or Ethernet interfaces. 小型飛翔体／海外 Figure 2: DEEP prototype software ２．Past experience (plants in Japan, overseas plant, applications in other industries, etc) Create technologies is a specialist R&D firm with a focus on imaging and sensing in the nuclear industry. Createc has developed and delivered several novel nuclear technologies, including the N-Visage gamma camera system. Costainis a leading UK construction and civil engineering firm with almost 150 years of history.
    [Show full text]
  • Caithness County Council
    Caithness County Council RECORDS’ IDENTITY STATEMENT Reference number: CC Alternative reference number: Title: Caithness County Council Dates of creation: 1720-1975 Level of description: Fonds Extent: 10 bays of shelving Format: Mainly paper RECORDS’ CONTEXT Name of creators: Caithness County Council Administrative history: 1889-1930 County Councils were established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1889. They assumed the powers of the Commissioners of Supply, and of Parochial Boards, excluding those in Burghs, under the Public Health Acts. The County Councils also assumed the powers of the County Road Trusts, and as a consequence were obliged to appoint County Road Boards. Powers of the former Police Committees of the Commissioners were transferred to Standing Joint Committees, composed of County Councillors, Commissioners and the Sheriff of the county. They acted as the police committee of the counties - the executive bodies for the administration of police. The Act thus entrusted to the new County Councils most existing local government functions outwith the burghs except the poor law, education, mental health and licensing. Each county was divided into districts administered by a District Committee of County Councillors. Funded directly by the County Councils, the District Committees were responsible for roads, housing, water supply and public health. Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archive 1 Provision was also made for the creation of Special Districts to be responsible for the provision of services including water supply, drainage, lighting and scavenging. 1930-1975 The Local Government Act (Scotland) 1929 abolished the District Committees and Parish Councils and transferred their powers and duties to the County Councils and District Councils (see CC/6).
    [Show full text]
  • Erection of 3 Turbines at Achlachan Wind Farm, Mybster, by Watten
    Agenda The Highland Council 6.1 Item North Planning Applications Committee Report PLN/052/15 15 September 2015 No 15/01831/FUL : Whirlwind Renewables Limited Achlachan Wind Farm, Mybster, by Watten, Caithness. Report by Head of Planning and Building Standards Summary Description : Erection of 3 turbines (110m max tip height) together with associated infrastructure. Recommendation - GRANT planning permission. Ward : 04 - Landward Caithness. Development category : Local Development. Pre-determination hearing : None. Reason referred to Committee : Objection by Statutory Consultee. 1. Proposed Development 1.1 The application is for three turbines with a potential output of 7.5MW adjacent to the consented but as yet not built 5 turbine Achlachan Wind Farm. The key elements of the application include: - 3 turbines (each 2.5MW) with a maximum tip height of 110m; Access tracks totalling around 1,220m; Underground cables linking with the consented control building. 1.2 The application seeks to utilise the approximate footprint of 3 turbines previously approved but not built at the northern end of Causeymire Wind Farm. It will form part of the larger cluster of turbines / wind farms emerging in this area including at Causeymire (operational), Bad a Cheo (approved), Halsary (approved) and Achlachan (approved) wind farms. Turbines sizes within the wider cluster vary between 99m – 112m to blade tip. 1.3 The turbine parts will be delivered to the site from Wick harbour as abnormal loads. The route to be used by the specialised delivery vehicles will be via the A882 Wick to Thurso road, then the A9 from Georgemas and then to site via the local B870 Westerdale road from Mybster / Spittal.
    [Show full text]
  • Hot Particles at Dounreay
    SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 | No. 660 HOT PARTICLES AT DOUNREAY The Dounreay nuclear complex, situated on a remote part of the north coast of Scotland, was once home to a variety of experimental nuclear facilities including two prototype fast breeder reactors, a reprocessing plant and a materials test reactor. Nearly all of these are now closed, but the legacy of their waste, pollution and accidents HOT PARTICLES AT DOUNREAY 1 lives on. One of the main areas of concern is the radioactive particles ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING: INCREASE found near the complex. The latest radioactive fragment found on INCIDENTS INVOLVING THEFT OR LOSS 2 Sandside beach is one of the hottest yet detected. SLEBOS CASE REVEALS FAILURE OF DUTCH AND EU NUCLEAR NON- (660.5826) WISE Amsterdam - The They entered the drains, which should PROLIFERATION POLICIES 4 particle of cesium-137 picked up during have carried only low-active waste a sweep of the beach on September 7 waster, either from the reprocessing RECORD URANIUM PRICE - WHAT was the third recovered since monitoring plant or from a controversial waste shaft. IS BEHIND AND WHAT ARE THE resumed on August 5 after a lengthy The highly radioactive particles were CONSEQUENCES 5 gap. This brings the legacy of pollution known as 'swarf' -the outside cladding from the nearby Dounreay plant to 97 from spent fuel assemblies which are cut HEAVY SUBSIDIES IN HEAVY used reactor fuel particles and an off at the very start of the reprocessing WATER: ECONOMICS OF NUCLEAR unidentified radioactive object. procedure to expose the fuel rods. These POWER IN INDIA 6 are some of the most highly radioactive After being taken back to a lab at the wastes from spent fuel reprocessing.
    [Show full text]
  • Wind Farm at Bad a Cheo by RWE Npower
    THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL Agenda Item 3.2 NORTH PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE Report No PLN/080/13 17 September 2013 Erection of 13 wind turbines, hard standings, anemometer mast, wind farm control building, temporary construction compound, lay down area and access tracks at Achkeepster, Caithness. 12/02868/FUL: Bad a Cheo Wind Farm, RWE Npower Renewables Ltd Report by Head of Planning and Building Standards SUMMARY Description: The proposal is a 13 turbine wind farm development with installed capacity of 32.5MW located at a site approximately 15km south of Thurso and 19km west of Wick, in Caithness, adjacent to the A9(T). The operational Causeymire Wind Farm operated by RWE NRL, lies immediately to the north. The turbines will be a maximum of 105m to blade tip in height. Access will be taken directly from the A9(T). Recommendation: GRANT planning permission. Ward: 4 – Landward Caithness Development category: Major. Pre-determination hearing: None Reason referred to Committee: More than 5 objections. 1.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 1.1 It is proposed to erect 13 wind turbines each of up to 2.5MW power rating (32.5MW in total) and associated infrastructure including control building, cabling, access tracks, watercourse crossings, hard standings, and a permanent wind monitoring mast. 1.2 The proposed wind turbines will have a maximum overall height of 105 metres to blade tip. No rotor diameter has been specified. A 60 metre high anemometry mast is proposed south of turbine 6. 1.3 A new site access will be constructed directly from the A9(T), south of the current Causeymire Wind Farm access.
    [Show full text]
  • All Notices Gazette
    ALL NOTICES GAZETTE CONTAINING ALL NOTICES PUBLISHED ONLINE BETWEEN 5 AND 7 JUNE 2015 PRINTED ON 8 JUNE 2015 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY | ESTABLISHED 1665 WWW.THEGAZETTE.CO.UK Contents State/2* Royal family/ Parliament & Assemblies/ Honours & Awards/ Church/ Environment & infrastructure/3* Health & medicine/ Other Notices/28* Money/ Companies/29* People/97* Terms & Conditions/134* * Containing all notices published online between 5 and 7 June 2015 STATE STATE Departments of State CROWN OFFICE 2344367THE QUEEN has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 2 June 2015 to appoint Alistair William Orchard MacDonald, Esquire, Q.C., to be a Justice of Her Majesty’s High Court. C I P Denyer (2344367) 2344364THE QUEEN has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 2 June 2015 to appoint: The Right Honourable David William Donald Cameron, The Right Honourable George Gideon Oliver Osborne, David Anthony Evennett, Esquire, John David Penrose, Esquire, Alun Hugh Cairns, Esquire, Melvyn John Stride, Esquire, George Hollingbery, Esquire and Charles Elphicke, Esquire, to be Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury. C.I.P Denyer (2344364) Honours & awards State Awards THE ROYAL VICTORIAN ORDER CENTRAL2344362 CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD St. James’s Palace, London S.W.1. 5 June 2015 THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Royal Victorian Order: KCVO To be a Knight Commander: His Royal Highness PRINCE HENRY OF WALES. (To be dated 4 June 2015.) (2344362) 2 | CONTAINING ALL NOTICES PUBLISHED ONLINE BETWEEN 5 AND 7 JUNE 2015 | ALL NOTICES GAZETTE ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE • Full Planning Permission (ref: K/2006/0164/F) granted 02nd December 2008 for 3 x wind turbines with maximum overall ENVIRONMENT & height of 100m, later amended to 3 x wind turbines with overall height of 110m, and granted permission on 12th November 2014 (ref: K/2012/0034/F).
    [Show full text]
  • P898: the Barrett Family Collection
    P898: The Barrett Family Collection RECORDS’ IDENTITY STATEMENT Reference number: P898 Alternative reference number: Title: The Barret Family Collection Dates of creation: 1898 - 2015 Level of description: Fonds Extent: 7 linear meters Format: Paper, Wood, Glass, fabrics, alloys RECORDS’ CONTEXT Name of creators: Administrative history: Custodial history: Deposited by Margret Shearer RECORDS’ CONTENT Description: Appraisal: Accruals: RECORDS’ CONDITION OF ACC. ESS AND USE Access: Open Closed until: - Access conditions: Available within the Archive searchroom Copying: Copying permitted within standard Copyright Act parameters Finding aids: Available in Archive searchroom ALLIED MATERIALS Related material: Publication: Notes: Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archive 1 Date of catalogue: 02 Feb 2018 Ref. Description Dates P898/1 Diaries 1975-2004 P898/1/1 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1975 P898/1/2 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1984 P898/1/3 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1987 P898/1/4 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1988 P898/1/5 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1989 P898/1/6 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1990 P898/1/7 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1991 P898/1/8 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1992 P898/1/9 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1993 P898/1/10 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1995 P898/1/11 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1996 P898/1/12 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1997 P898/1/13 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1998 P898/1/14 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 1999 P898/1/15 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 2000 P898/1/16 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 2001 P898/1/17 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 2002 P898/1/18/1 Harry Barrett’s personal diary [1 volume] 2003 P898/1/18/2 Envelope containing a newspaper clipping, receipts, 2003 addresses and a ticket to the Retired Police Officers Association, Scotland Highlands and Island Branch 100 Club (Inside P898/1/18/1).
    [Show full text]
  • RWE Innogy UK Limited Circuit Breaker Housing at Mybster Desk
    RWE Innogy UK Limited Circuit Breaker Housing at Mybster Desk-Based Assessment Document 1 | v4 24 November 2015 Mybster Circui t Br eaker Building D esk- Based Assessment RWE Innog yU K Limi ted Mybster Circuit Breaker Housing Desk-Based Assessment Mybster Circuit Breaker Housing Project no: B2028306 Document title: Mybster Circuit Breaker Housing Desk-Based Assessment Document No.: Document 1 Revision: V4 Date: 24 November 2015 Client name: RWE Innogy UK Limited Client no: Project manager: Rory McDonnell Author: David Bull File name: Mybster Circuit Breaker Building Cultural Heritage Desk-Based Assessment V0.4 23 Nov 2015.docx Jacobs U.K. Limited 160 Dundee Street Edinburgh EH11 1DQ United Kingdom T +44 (0)131 659 1500 F +44 (0)131 228 6177 www.jacobs.com © Copyright 2015 Jacobs U.K. Limited. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright. Limitation: This report has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of Jacobs’ Client, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the Client. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this report by any third party. Document history and status Revision Date Description By Review Approved 1 20/11/2015 Review David Bull Jonathan Dempsey 2 23/11/2015 Review David Bull Rory McDonnell 3 23/11/2015 Verification
    [Show full text]
  • Beauly to Loch Buidhe 275Kv Overhead Line Reinforcement
    Beauly to Loch Buidhe 275kV Overhead Line Reinforcement About Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission plc Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution is part of the SSE plc group pf companies. We own, maintain and invest in the electricity networks in the north of Scotland – the electricity transmission network (132kV and above) and the electricity distribution network (below 132 kV). In Scotland, Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution is made up of two businesses: Scottish Hydro electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) owns and maintains the electricity transmission network across the north and west of Scotland, in some of the UKs most challenging terrain; and Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) operates the high and low voltage electricity network that distributes electricity to around 700,000 customers in north mainland Scotland and Scottish islands. SHE Transmission owns around 5,000km of electricity transmission infrastructure which spans about 70% of the land mass in Scotland. Electricity networks like this provide a physical link between electricity generators and electricity users. We have three main objectives over the next decade: To keep the lights on for our customers To invest for a greener future; and To minimise, as far as possible, our impact on the environment. Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challenging terrain – including some circuits which are over 750 metres 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 enough demand to connect from new wind, hydro and marine generators which rely on us to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users.
    [Show full text]
  • Wild Land and Wildlife
    SCOTLAND Caithness & sUtheRLanD Wild Land and Wildlife Courtesy of Northshots the wild and rugged north coast Leave inverness on the a9 heading today is a day of cycling (or walking) Let someone else do the work of scotland is fantastic for wildlife north. For a scenic diversion, head around Loch More, a truly wild place. today by taking a boat trip out in watching. head west on the a836 with across the Black isle towards the By car, turn off the a9 at Mybster, and the Pentland Firth. the turbulent fabulous views over the atlantic. the picturesque village of Cromarty and travel southeast through Westerdale Pentland Firth is home to a wide dune grasslands at strathy Bay and take the summer ferry across the on the B870. Pass strathmore Lodge variety of species and the rocky strathy Point are rich in rare plants, Cromarty Firth to nigg. the ferry runs on the left and continue to the head outcrops and promontories along including the rare scottish primrose. from May to september. Keep your of the loch, bearing right just before the coastline provide ideal ledges for From the cliffs you can enjoy watching eye out for bottlenose dolphins which the fishing lodge at Lochmore nesting seabirds. Whales, dolphins, seabirds and cetaceans. are regularly seen in the Firth. Cottage. Park your car in the area puffins and other seabirds are just before the cattle grid. From here, commonly seen during the summer Continue on to tongue Bay where From nigg, follow the B9175 and there is a 20 mile cycle or walk along and if you’re lucky you may spot orca you may see seals and waders rejoinDay the a 9 1heading north.
    [Show full text]
  • Dounreay Mybster Transmission Project Exhibition Handout
    Project Background The Route Selection Process Tower Construction This proposal is part of the reinforcement of the electricity We have worked closely with a team of environmental The OHL will be constructed using self-supporting lattice transmission network, envisaged by the National Planning consultants and overhead line engineers to identify a steel towers. The towers used for the 275 kV OHL will vary Framework (NPF2) and the Energy Networks Strategy technically feasible (both in terms of constructability and long in height between 32m and 52m to accommodate changes Group. Analysis of the existing transmission network in the term maintenance), economically viable, new transmission in topography and where the line crosses roads and rivers, north of Scotland identified the need for increased network OHL which gives rise to: although the height will generally be in the region of 40m. capacity to facilitate the transmission of renewable The 132kV OHL towers will vary in height between 23m and generation projects north of Beauly including onshore / • The least disruption to the amenity of people living and 38m, although the height will generally be in the region of offshore wind and marine and tidal generation. This increase working in the area; 28m. in network capacity can only be achieved by undertaking • The least impact on the physical and natural environment, reinforcement of the transmission network in the north of and on nationally important species, habitats and cultural The spacing between towers will vary depending on Scotland. assets; topography, altitude and land usage. The height and • The least disruption to current land use and management distance between towers will be determined later in the Project Description practices; and design process; however the spacing will be generally in the • The least disruption to existing and proposed infrastructure range of 260-360 m for the 275 kV towers and 200-300 m and other economically beneficial uses of land.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification of Potential Opportunities for Development of UK R&D
    Identification of potential opportunities for development of UK R&D capability and strategic UK supply chain to the deployment of Advanced Modular Reactors NNL 14790 ISSUE 1 This document is prepared by National Nuclear Laboratory Limited ("NNL") for Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) pursuant to a contract, dated 16 May 2018, reference TRN1431/01/2018 ("the Contract"). The ownership of this document, and the material contained within it, shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Contract Page 1 of 73 National Nuclear Laboratory Limited (Company number 3857752) Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Chadwick House Warrington Road Birchwood Park Warrington WA3 6AE Page 2 of 73 NNL 14790 ISSUE 1 Identification of potential opportunities for development of UK R&D capability and strategic UK supply chain to the deployment of Advanced Modular Reactors NNL 14790 ISSUE 1 Nicholas Barron, 21 February 2020 . Name Signature • Date i Checked Kevin Hesketh I /(;, N\cJd... c. d1..0 By Approved Emma Vernon By Work Order 10725.300 Number Keywords ADVANCED MODULAR REACTOR; AMR; HTGR; VHTR; SFR; LFR; MSR; MSTHR; MSFR; FAST REACTOR; TRL; R&D; SCRL; GAS; SODIUM; LEAD; MOLTEN SALT National Nuclear Laboratory limited (Company number 3857752) Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Chadwick House Warrington Road Birchwood Park Warrington WA3 6AE Page 3 of 73 NNL 14790 ISSUE 1 Executive Summary The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has recommended that significant decarbonisation of the energy sector is required to meet the UK Governments’ ambitious and legally binding net zero emissions by 2050. The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) expects new nuclear power to play a role in supporting this deep decarbonisation and in maintaining energy supply and security.
    [Show full text]