Fort Augustus– Skye Project Consultation September 2016

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

Who we are Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.

What is the difference between Transmission and Distribution?

Other SSE Electricity Transmission is the transportation of Businesses electricity from generating plants to where it is required at centres of demand.

Scottish Scottish Hydro Southern The Electricity Transmission network, or grid, Hydro Electric Electric Power Electric Power transports electricity at very high voltages through Transmission Plc Distribution Plc Distribution overhead wires, underground cables and subsea (SHE Transmission) (SHEPD) (SEPD) cables. The transmission network connects large scale generation, primarily renewables, to central and southern and the rest of Great Britain.

We are part of Scottish and Southern The Electricity Distribution network is connected into Electricity Networks, operating under the Transmission network but the voltage is lowered by transformers at electricity substations, and the power licence as Scottish Hydro Electric is then distributed to homes and businesses through Transmission Plc for the transmission overheadOverview lines or underground of cables. of electricity in the north of Scotland. OverviewTransmission of Transmission projects projects Shetland In total we maintain about 5,000km of overhead lines and underground cables – easily enough to stretch Overview of ExistingExisting infrastructure across the Atlantic from John O’Groats all the way Transmission projects Shetland Completed to Boston in the USA. Completed UnderUnderExisting construction infrastructure Orkney Completed PotentialPotentialUnder construction development Orkney developmentPotential development Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challenging AdvancedAdvanced planning planning Advanced planning terrain – including circuits that are buried under the

Gills Bay seabed, are located over 750m above sea level and Dounreay Spittal Mybster up to 250km long. Gills Bay Dounreay Lairg Western Isles Loch Buidhe Spittal The landscape and environment that contribute (Bonar Bridge) to the challenges we face also give the area a rich Mossford Moray Firth Mybster Blackhillock Beauly Knocknagael resource for renewable energy generation. There is a Skye Peterhead

Kintore high demand to connect from new wind, hydro and Tomatin Fort Augustus LairgAberdeen marine generators which rely on Scottish and Southern Western Isles Loch Buidhe Electricity Networks to provide a physical link between Fort William (Bonar Bridge) the new sources of power and electricity users. Scottish Dalmally Mossford Moray Firth and Southern Electricity Networks is delivering a major Perth programme of investment to ensure that the network is Kincardine Blackhillock Denny Beauly Knocknagael ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future. Skye Peterhead

Kintyre Hunterston

Arran Our responsibilities Tomatin Kintore Fort Augustus Aberdeen 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 Fort William 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. Dalmally Perth

Kincardine Denny

Kintyre Hunterston

Arran Fort Augustus– Skye Project

Project Overview We are in the early stages of developing a project which will provide an increase of electrical capacity for the . An additional 132kV overhead line to Skye is required to enable the connection of new generation located in the north of the island. This will also improve the resilience of the transmission network between Fort Augustus and Skye.

The main elements of the project are as follows: • Construction of an additional, new 132kV overhead • Installation of additional equipment and minor line using a double trident H wood pole from the works at the existing Edinbane substation; and existing Fort Augustus substation to the existing • Dismantle and remove the existing 132kV overhead Broadford substation; a small section above 400m line connecting Broadford and Edinbane substations. may require a steel support arrangement. • Construction of a replacement, higher capacity, Whilst we are still at an early stage of the project 132kV overhead line using a double trident H wood development we do not anticipate any physical pole between the existing Broadford substation and expansion of the Broadford and Edinbane substations the existing Edinbane substation; nor any new or additional equipment being installed • Installation of additional equipment and minor within the existing site boundary. The project will works on the 33kV network at the existing connect into existing infrastructure at the Broadford substation; Fort Augustus substation.

Route Corridor Preferred Route Option (approximately 1km wide) Existing Route Project Timeline

The chart below shows the main stages of the development process and the opportunities where members of the public can provide comments or feedback in regards to proposals. Please note that all dates are indicative at this stage.

Early 2016 Initial consultation and options assessment Consultations with key statutory bodies such as Scottish National Heritage, The Council, Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Environment Protection Agency have been undertaken to seek feedback on the project and assessment methodologies. Engineering and high level environmental studies have also been carried out on the technology / corridor options.

Spring 2016 Technology confirmed and route selection study started Proposed technology and overhead line corridor (wide area between connection points) identified and further environmental studies undertaken within the defined corridor. Route options identified, options appraisal undertaken and preferred route identified.

September 2016 Public consultation Consultation with statutory, non-statutory bodies and communities on initial project proposals. Document detailing scope of consultation published.

Autumn 2016 – Further environmental studies, initial overhead line Summer 2017 design and alignment selection progressed Review all feedback and publish the Report on Consultation. Confirm the proposed route.Undertake further environmental studies and initial engineering design to identify the preferred alignment for the overhead line. Confirm the preferred alignment for the overhead line.

Summer 2017 – Consultation on preferred alignment selection Late 2017 Undertake consultation on the preferred alignment for the overhead line and hold further public consultations.

Late 2017 – Consent application & contract tendering Early 2019 Confirm the proposed overhead line alignment and publish the Report on Consultation. Progress Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), negotiations with landowners, preparation and submission of Section 37 consent application, contract tendering and procurement detailed design.

Early 2020 – Construction and commissioning Late 2022 Technical Options Assessment

Existing Infrastructure The existing 132kV overhead line which connects Fort Augustus and Skye consists of three distinct sections, which were constructed at different times over the past 65 years in response to changing needs. These include: • Fort Augustus Substation – Skye Tee – Quoich – steel lattice towers designed to carry a single circuit (three conductors) • Quoich to Broadford – steel lattice towers designed to carry two circuits, presently strung with a single circuit • Broadford to – trident wood pole designed to carry a single circuit

Assessed Options A number of different technical solutions have been considered in the early design stages including the construction of a new connection or upgrading and using existing infrastructure. These options have been compared in order to understand the most balanced solution whilst considering technical, economic, environmental and consenting factors. The following table provides a summary of this comparison and highlights our proposed technical solution to achieve the increase in capacity between

Fort Augustus and Skye. Trident 'H' Wood Pole proposed technology.

Technology options appraisal

Technical – safety, access & Environmental/Consenting Economic – Operational – ease of construction, security – Land use, landscape & Capital & Ease of maintenance, of supply, meets generator visual, protected species operational safety, restoration Serial Technology Type connection requirements and habitats costs of supply 1 Single circuit wood pole (H configuration) 2 Double circuit steel lattice tower 3 Single circuit wood pole (H configuration) but utilising the existing assets where possible 4 AC subsea cable and single circuit wood pole (H configuration). 5 HVDC Subsea cable and single circuit wood pole (H configuration) 6 Reconductor the existing circuit with a higher capacity conductor 7 New technology – composite poles & high temperature conductors (HTCs) 8 Cable a new circuit using using HVDC technology 9 Cable a new circuit using AC technology

Most preferred Least preferred Routeing Process and Considerations

Our overhead line projects are The routeing process is carried out in stages which look progressively in more detail at where the overhead subject to a detailed routeing process. line will be sited, from a wide area (corridor), to a This ensures the final design meets route (generally 1km wide), to an alignment (generally network requirements, is cost 200m wide). The stages that are carried out can vary depending on the type, nature of and size of project and effective, causes the least impact on consultation is carried out at each stage of the process. important resources or features of the environment and least disturbance to This project is at the route selection stage. those living, working, visiting or using the area for recreational purposes.

Section 1: Edinbane to Section 2: Sligachan to Broadford Existing Route Existing Route Fewer landscape and visual constraints, less impacts on Easier access requirements during construction and ecological designations (Sligachan Peatlands SAC/SSSI and operation, better ground conditions, easier to maintain Cullins SPA) and fewer impacts on cultural heritage features and quicker to repair faults. and setting of Scheduled Monuments. Route 2B Route 1B alternative Slightly better with respect to potential landscape and visual, and ecological impacts around The Cullins however significantly Easier access requirements during construction and operation, higher costs associated with subsea cable and maintenance, better ground conditions. with long outages if fault occurs. Preferred – Existing Route Preferred – Existing Route

Section 3: Broadford to Kyle Rhea Section 4: Kyle Rhea to Loch Quoich Existing Route Existing Route Less impacts on landscape and visual issues, however felling Fewer impacts on landscape and visual and cultural within the environmental designation would be required. heritage features. Route 3B Route 4B

Construction and maintenance much easier as less steep Construction and maintenance much easier as less steep topography, better ground conditions and access, also topography, better ground conditions and access, also lower construction costs. lower construction costs. Preferred – Route 3B alternative Preferred – Existing Route

Section 5: Loch Quoich to Invergarry Section 6: Invergarry to Fort Augustus Existing Route Existing Route Fewer impacts on landscape and visual and cultural heritage Fewer impacts on landscape and visual in the southern features. part only. Route 5C Route 5C

Construction and maintenance much easier due to access Fewer impacts on landscape and visual in the northern part only. and less tree felling required. Preferred – combination of Route 6A Preferred – Existing Route (Existing southern section) and 6C (Skye Tee route in north section) Environmental designations

The map below demonstrates the extent of the Further detailed environmental studies will continue environmental designated sites between Edinbane and during 2016 and 2017 to support the routeing design Fort Augustus. As part of the routeing process the major process and potential Section 37 application. areas of high amenity value, which includes cultural heritage sites and areas of nature conservation, are avoided where possible.

If you are interested in any particular environmental sensitivity or have detailed information that may be useful in progressing the project, please contact a member of the Project Development team.

Section 2 Section 3 Section 1 Section 2

Section 3 Section 4

Section 5 Section 6

Section 4 Section 5

Route Corridor Preferred Route Option Existing Route Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Special Protection Area (SPA) National Nature Reserve (NNR) Marine Protected Area (MPA) Proposed marine Protected Area (pMPA)

National Scenic Area (NSA) Wild Land Area (WLA) Inventory Garden or Designed Landscape (GDL)

Special Landscape Area (SLA) Scheduled Monument (SM) Inventory Historic Battlefields Site Preferred route corridor between Fort Augustus and Skye

Preferred route corridor through Skye Feedback

Thank you for taking the time to find Community Liaison Manager out about our plans for increasing the Kelly Scott capacity of the electricity network between Fort Augustus and Skye. [email protected]

The project is in the early development stages and 07342 026270 we openly welcome comments and feedback to help us refine our proposal. We are very keen to Kelly Scott ensure that members of the community understand SHE Transmission our initial proposal as it will be refined and taken Inveralmond House forward to a Section 37 planning application 200 Dunkeld Road made to the Scottish Government. Perth PH1 3AQ

Please take a feedback form. You can complete it today, or you can post it back to us at the address provided. Information can also be posted out to you Follow us by our Community Liaison Manager upon request. Why not follow Scottish and Southern Energy Networks on social media and keep up-to-date with all latest news Comments and events? Find us on Facebook: Comments can be submitted as follows: SSEN Community At the exhibition today: Follow us on Twitter: Complete a Comment Form and place it @ssencommunity in the box provided Online: Complete a Comment Form online by visiting the project webpage: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/ Fort Augustus–Skye Project

Your Comments fort-augustus-skye Q6 Overall, how would you describe your reaction to the Fort Augustus–Skye project? Thank you for taking the time to attend this consultation event. In order to record your views and improve the eff ectiveness of our consultation, please complete this short feedback form. Support Neither support or object Object Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS. (Please tick one box per question only) Q7 And fi nally, from your experience to date, can you rate the quality By post: of the consultation undertaken on the Fort Augustus – Skye project Q1 Has the requirement for the project been clearly explained? Excellent Unsure Quite good Neither good nor poor Yes No Complete a Comments Form and post it to our Poor Very poor Q2 Have we explained the approach taken to select the preferred route adequately Please write in any further comments you would like to make about Unsure No the engagement process as a whole. Yes

Liaison Manager (details below). Q3 Are there any additional factors, or environmental features, that you consider important and should be brought to the attention of the project team? Comments Full name By email: Address Complete a Comments Form and email it to our Liaison Manager (details below).

Postcode Download Q4 Do you have any other comments about the preferred route? Comments Telephone Comments forms and all the information from Email If you would like to be kept informed of progress on the project please tick this box. today’s event will also be available to download If you would like your comments to remain anonymous please tick this box. Which event did you attend? Fort Augustus from the project website at: Glenelg Broadford Dunvegan www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/ 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: Kelly Scott, SHE Transmission plc, Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 3AQ Q5 Following review of the provided information, how would you describeEmail: Know [email protected] a little your understanding of the Fort Augustus–Skye Know a lot project? fort-augustus-skye I am very well informed Closing date for feedback is 11 November Know nothing at all The feedback form and all information provided at the event can also be downloaded from Know very little the dedicated website: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk 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 Request form you consent to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks using feedback for this purpose. Information can also be posted out to you by our liaison manager upon request. Please make your comments as specific as possible in order to help us consider them in relation to our proposals.

The closing date for comments for this consultation is 11th November 2016 Fort Augustus–Skye Project

Your Comments Thank you for taking the time to attend this consultation event. In order to record your views and improve the eff ectiveness of our consultation, please complete this short feedback form.

Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS. (Please tick one box per question only)

Q1 Has the requirement for the project been clearly explained? Yes No Unsure

Q2 Have we explained the approach taken to select the preferred route adequately Yes No Unsure

Q3 Are there any additional factors, or environmental features, that you consider important and should be brought to the attention of the project team? Comments

Q4 Do you have any other comments about the preferred route? Comments

Q5 Following review of the provided information, how would you describe your understanding of the Fort Augustus–Skye project? I am very well informed Know a lot Know a little Know very little Know nothing at all Q6 Overall, how would you describe your reaction to the Fort Augustus–Skye project? Support Neither support or object Object

Q7 And fi nally, from your experience to date, can you rate the quality of the consultation undertaken on the Fort Augustus – Skye project Excellent Quite good Neither good nor poor Poor Very poor

Please write in any further comments you would like to make about the engagement process as a whole.

Full name

Address

Postcode

Telephone

Email

If you would like to be kept informed of progress on the project please tick this box.

If you would like your comments to remain anonymous please tick this box.

Which event did you attend? Fort Augustus Glenelg Broadford Dunvegan Portree

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: Kelly Scott, SHE Transmission plc, Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 3AQ Email: [email protected]

Closing date for feedback is 11 November The feedback form and all information provided at the event can also be downloaded from the dedicated website: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk

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.