Work on £1bn Caithness/Moray project shortlisted for planning awards
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SSEN Transmission's ground-breaking work on its £1bn Caithness/Moray project has been shortlisted for two planning awards.
The nominations were made in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2020 – considered the most respected awards in the UK planning industry.
Running for more than 40 years, they celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.
SSEN has been shortlisted in the category for Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment, as well as the In-House Planning Team of the Year.
The Caithness/Moray project has seen biodiversity improvements at a number of substation sites across Caithness and Moray, including award-winning work to protect and enhance the environment to support the great yellow bumblebee.
As a result of the success of this work, the company has made ambitious biodiversity net gain commitments for future projects as part of its business plan – "a network for net zero".
The In-House Planning Team of the Year shortlist recognises the work of SSEN Transmission’s planning and environmental staff in the north of Scotland.
This includes efforts to provide the first transmission connection to Orkney and help unlock the islands' renewables potential. The continued success of the team in securing planning consents, often in sensitive natural environments, has played a key role in supporting the company's track record of delivering major projects on time and on budget.
Richard Baldwin, head of environment, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this year’s Royal Town Planning Institute Awards.
“The north of Scotland is home to some of the most precious landscapes and biodiversity in the UK and, as a responsible developer, we recognise we have a duty to do all we can to protect and enhance the local environment in which we operate.
“The shortlisting for both awards is testament to the responsible and sustainable approach we take to the development of building a network for net zero, which we are committed to build upon with even more ambitious sustainability targets moving forward.”
RTPI president Sue Manns said: “Many congratulations to all the finalists at this year’s RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, representing the very best of our profession from not only all the RTPI’s regions and nations but also from countries around the globe.
“These outstanding projects, teams and individuals show how planning can have a positive effect on our communities and the environment and how planners can use their expertise and enthusiasm to create inclusive, happy and healthy places and spaces for ourselves and for future generations.
“I wish them all the best of the luck at the ceremony on April 30.”
Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse marked the completion of SSEN Transmission's flagship project during a visit to Blackhillock substation, near Keith, in December.
He said that the Caithness/Moray HVDC link would play a major role in achieving emissions targets while connecting Scotland's huge renewable resources with new markets.
The 113km subsea link uses HVDC technology, allowing the efficient transfer of up to 1200MW of clean renewable electricity from Spittal substation to areas of demand in central Scotland and beyond.
The link has been operational since January 2019 with all major works associated with the project completed last summer. SSEN Transmission said it had been delivered on time and within regulatory allowances.
With both the Scottish and UK governments legislating for net zero emissions, Caithness/Moray is regarded as a critical investment in the fight against climate change.
As well as harnessing the renewable output from electricity generators in Caithness, the link has capacity to support the proposed transmission links connecting Orkney and Shetland.
