SSEN Transmission ground surveys will look at controversial pylon route from Caithness
Ground investigation works in preparation for controversial plans to upgrade power lines between Caithness and Beauly are getting under way.
SSEN Transmission said it was gathering information “to help inform the next stage of development” for the major upgrade of the electricity transmission network.
The plans, which include the line from Spittal to Beauly via Loch Buidhe in Sutherland as well as lines between Beauly and Peterhead, Kintore and Tealing and Beauly-Denny, have caused uproar in communities across the Highlands.
Campaign groups have claimed the transmission company has received favourable planning treatment – something it strongly denies – and have denounced the upgrades as not needed and the “industrialisation of the Highlands”.
SSEN Transmission said the new and upgraded lines – which will include larger pylons – will enable the connection and transportation of renewable energy around Great Britain and help deliver government net-zero targets.
Over the coming weeks and months, project teams and contractors will undertake walkover surveys and intrusive ground investigation works, it said, which will help inform the next stage of development relating to the alignment of new 400kV overhead lines.
The new lines are part of several proposed onshore 400kV electricity transmission schemes which also include existing overhead line upgrades and new 400kV substations and HVDC convertor stations.
Peter McKessick, head of onshore development for SSEN Transmission, said: “Our team continues to assess and consider feedback received from members of the public and stakeholders as part of our ongoing consultation process, which continues with more engagement events currently taking place.
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“This includes active consideration of alternative alignments proposed by stakeholders which we are currently assessing against key environmental, technical and economic factors. Should we establish viable alternatives that warrant more detailed investigations, they will also be surveyed accordingly.”
Intrusive ground investigations typically involve drilling boreholes and/or digging trial pits, allowing engineers to understand the engineering properties of the soil and rock beneath potential tower locations and their ability to support the structures.
Mr McKessick added: “Ground investigations are a necessary step in any new developments, and the results will help determine the best designs for overhead line alignments.
“Local community members can expect to see more activity on the ground over the summer, and while most assessments are expected to cause very little local disruption, we would like to thank the local community for their patience while they are carried out.
“Where more intrusive assessments are required such as ground investigation works, we will work to keep local disruption and environmental impacts to a minimum.
“The SSEN Transmission project team will oversee the contractors’ works, who may employ specialist supervision from ecologists and archaeologists to ensure the works do not impact on local wildlife or archaeological assets.”