SSEN Transmission sets out next phase of far north developments including controversial Spittal plan
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SSEN Transmission has set out its next steps for its 'Pathway to 2030' network developments which includes plans for a controversial overhead power line with "mega pylons" from Spittal to Beauly.
The company says that over recent months, it has undertaken extensive consultations with communities and wider stakeholders on plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland.
A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission stated: "Reflecting the significant interest in these projects, we would like to reassure stakeholders that we are taking the time necessary to fully assess the extensive feedback received as we seek to arrive at solutions that best balance the needs of all stakeholders, alongside meeting the requirements of all relevant planning and environmental policies and the regulatory and legal frameworks under which we are required to operate.
"Across our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects, our teams held 48 in-person public consultation events, alongside six virtual consultations, with more than 20 additional community meetings, including several town hall public meetings. In total, we have received well in excess of 6000 responses to our consultations, reflecting the breadth and extent of engagement undertaken."
SSEN Transmission is planning to locate overhead power lines between Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly, with new substations at each location. The company says it is part of a major upgrade of the electrical transmission system which is "needed to help deliver UK and Scottish Government climate change targets and secure the country’s future energy independence".
A campaign group called Communities B4 Power Companies (CB4PC) says proposals for the 400kV line between Caithness and Inverness-shire, along with other large-scale energy infrastructure, have caused "alarm, distress and disgust" across the region.
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Highland communities 'under siege' over 400kV power line plans
Last month's public meeting in Dunbeath heard that communities will be "bombarded with more and more wind farm applications and lots more infrastructure" unless the controversial proposals by SSEN Transmission are halted. Those backing the project say it is necessary to meet government targets on renewable energy – but campaigners argue that the project is about money rather than the environment, and insist the transmission lines and the turbines they will serve are not needed.
SSEN Transmission thanked everyone that engaged with its teams and responded to its consultations. "We would like to reassure all stakeholders that their feedback is being carefully considered to help inform the ongoing development of these projects, which are crucial to our national endeavour to build a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system for homes and businesses across Scotland and Great Britain."
The company added that it will take on board the feedback before creating a Reports on Consultation publication that covers proposals on the substation developments and overhead power lines.
"These reports will provide a summary of the feedback received through the consultation process, how this feedback has been considered and which overhead line route options and substation locations we plan to take forward to the next stage of the development process."
The forthcoming publication will also set out any "potential changes to the options" initially consulted on. There will also be further public consultations after the report is published.
"This next round of public consultation will set out – and seek feedback on – the potential overhead line route alignments and substations we are minded to progress based on our assessment of stakeholder feedback, analysis of options, and the consideration of all consenting, legal and regulatory requirements.
"We will also apply learning from our first round of consultations to increase awareness, accessibility, and coverage of consultation events."
For more information on these projects, please visit: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/2030-projects/
CB4PC says that the route of the planned "mega pylons" will cause "irreparable" damage to landscapes. Berriedale and Dunbeath Community Council chairman Angus MacInnes said the proposed pylon line runs through the same corridor as the present ones but will be more than twice as tall.
“Dunbeath Castle is 20m, these [existing] pylons are 28m, the new pylons are 58m – but they'll not be removing the old pylons," he said at the recent public event. "They're going to leave the old ones, put the new ones in, and there is a concern that this may be the first of a number of sets of new pylons.”
