Overview
Status: Construction Phase
About the Project
We are proposing construction of a replacement 132kV overhead line between the Harris Grid Supply Point and Stornoway Grid Supply Point, replacing the existing single pole trident design with a 'H' pole trident line. The new wood pole line will be strung with an All Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC). The preference for the new route is to follow that of the existing OHL.
The project received Section 37 Planning Consent in February 2024.
We are currently working with CNeS to discharge the pre-construction planning conditions.
Our two principal contractors Norpower for the Harris Substation to Aline Forest section and Keltbray Energy for north of Aline Forest to Stornoway Substation section, are setting up welfare / offices on the site.
Poles, steelwork and other construction materials have started to be delivered to the island, ahead of construction commencing later this summer.
Why is the Project Required?
The existing 132kV overhead line between Harris and Stornoway is routed through both the Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis, and is part of the Western Isles circuit that runs from Stornoway to Fort Augustus. It was constructed in 1990 and consists of a single circuit that runs for circa 58km.
The location of this line is very susceptible to storm damage and high winds affecting the region, and therefore requires ongoing work and monitoring. The poles on the existing circuit have a history of storm damage in both 2006 and 2015.
Find Out More About Western Isles Connection Project
Find Out More About Balallan Switching Station and 132kV Overhead Line
Interactive Project Portal
To help interested parties gain a better understanding of what our proposed solution for the overhead line may look like in the local environment, specialist company 3DW have created an interactive collection of data which includes multiple 3D visualisations from locations across the route. The interactive map allows users to toggle between 3D views as they are currently, and how the local environment may look once the replacement line is erected.
3D images created along the route (as per the above) can be viewed within the portal
Community Engagement
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
Extensive consultation has been undertaken on this project since 2019, engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders including local community members. Engagement was undertaken via means such as virtual consultation platforms (due to COVID 19), face-to-face events in Summer 2022 and an online public meeting.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
Featured updates
Featured updates for this project
Project Update July 2024
Project updates
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Project Update July 2024
The project received Section 37 Planning Consent in February 2024.
We are currently working with CNeS to discharge the pre-construction planning conditions.
Our two principal contractors Norpower for the Harris Substation to Aline Forest section and Keltbray Energy for north of Aline Forest to Stornoway Substation section, are setting up welfare / offices on the site.
Poles, steelwork and other construction materials have started to be delivered to the island, ahead of construction commencing later this summer.
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Section 37 Application Submission
SSEN Transmission has now submitted an application for consent under Section 37 of The Electricity Act 1989 for the Harris – Stornoway 132kV OHL - SSEN Transmission (ssen-transmission.co.uk) project. The project proposes the construction of an offline 132kV OHL wood pole trident line between the Harris Grid Supply Point and Stornoway Grid Supply Point, thus replacing the existing single pole trident design with an “H” Pole trident wood pole line.
The preference for the new route would be to follow that of the existing OHL. The new wood pole line will be strung with an All Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC).
If you wish to view the Section 37 application online, they can be viewed via the Project Documents tab on the left-hand side of the project webpage.
You can also view the Section 37 application on the Energy Consents Unit’s website https://www.energyconsents.scot/ The application reference is: ECU00004490.
Any representations to the application may be submitted via the Energy Consents Unit website at www.energyconsents.scot/Register.aspx; by email to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit mailbox at representations@gov.scot; or by post to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation. Please note that there may be a delay in the Energy Consents Unit receiving representations by post.
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June 2022 Consultation Documents
June 2022 consultation material available for download. -
February 2022 Consultation Events
Following the virtual consultations that we held in September 2021 where we presented our preferred corridor for a new 132kV “H” wood pole trident overhead line between Harris Grid Supply Point and Stornoway Grid Supply Point which would replace the existing single pole trident design. We are pleased to advise we are now hosting the next round of virtual online public consultations to present our preferred alignment.We welcome all interested parties to attend the online consultation sessions in order for us to gain views and feedback on our preferred alignment proposal.The virtual consultation events have been designed to be as interactive as face to face events, allowing for the presentation of key project information and plans, as well as providing an opportunity to ask questions about the project.Visitors will be able to engage directly with the project team, via a live text chat function, where they can ask any questions they might have about the project and share their feedback on the current proposals.To find out more please visit the project overview section of this webpage via the below link. -
Ongoing surveys
Overhead line engineers will be out on site along the entire route carrying out surveys until summer 2022 -
September 2021 Virtual Consultations
Following virtual consultations that we held earlier this year in June where we presented our preferred corridor for a new 132kV “H” wood pole trident overhead line between Harris Grid Supply Point and Stornoway Grid Supply Point which would replace the existing single pole trident design. We are pleased to advise we are now hosting the next round of virtual online public consultations to present our preferred routes to allow stakeholders and other interested parties to engage and share feedback on our proposals. The virtual consultation events have been designed to be as interactive as face to face events, allowing for presentation of key project information and plans, as well as providing an opportunity to ask questions about the project. Visitors will be able to engage directly with the project team, via a live text chat function, where they can ask any questions they might have about the project and share their feedback on the current proposals. To find out more please visit the project overview page. -
Bird surveys
Over the next 12 months ongoing bird survey work will be carried out along the route from Harris to Stornoway.
Project Documents
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NOTICE OF DECISION.pdf
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- Date:
- 11 March 2024
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- 78 KB
This is a Notice of Decision from the Energy Consents Unit regarding the section 37 application for consent.
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Harris Stornoway - July 2021 Booklet
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- Date:
- 01 November 2022
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- 1.5 MB
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Ardhasaig Community Meeting 20th October 2022 Response
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- Date:
- 01 November 2022
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- 298.1 KB
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harris-stornoway-maps.pdf
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- Date:
- 11 October 2022
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- 40.5 MB
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alignment-consultation-document.pdf
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- Date:
- 16 September 2022
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- 22.1 MB
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Harris - Stornoway February 2022 Booklet
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- Date:
- 16 September 2022
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- 25.9 MB
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Harris Stornoway - June 22 Booklet
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- Date:
- 16 September 2022
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- 16.2 MB
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Harris Stornoway - September 2021 Booklet
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- Date:
- 16 September 2022
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- 9.1 MB
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Harris Stornoway - September 2021 Poster
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- Date:
- 16 September 2022
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- 344 KB
Section 37 Advert
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2022.11.15 Advert - s37 Harris to Stornoway Overhead Line Replacement.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 73.6 KB
Section 37 - Cover Letter
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2022 11 9 LT245 Cover Letter.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 266.4 KB
Section 37 - Planning Statement and Design and Access Statement
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Harris-StornowayOHL_Design&AccessStatement.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 532.2 KB
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Harris-StornowayOHL_PlanningStatement.pdf
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- 28 November 2022
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- 1.1 MB
Section 37 - Report on Consultation
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RoC - Part 1 - Main Report.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 478.9 KB
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RoC - Part 10 - Appendix D - Feb 2022 Consultation contd.pdf
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- 28 November 2022
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- 9.7 MB
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RoC - Part 11 - Appendix D - Feb 2022 Consultation contd.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 2.4 MB
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RoC - Part 12 - Appendix E - Jun 2022 Consultation.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 9.5 MB
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RoC - Part 13 - Appendix E - Jun 2022 Consultation contd.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 1.9 MB
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RoC - Part 2 - Appendix A - FIgures 1.1 - 4.2.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 9.8 MB
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RoC - Part 3 - Appendix A - FIgures 4.3 - 4.4.pdf
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- 28 November 2022
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- 9.5 MB
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RoC - Part 4 - Appendix A - FIgures 4.5 - 4.6.pdf
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- 28 November 2022
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- 5.2 MB
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RoC - Part 5 - Appendix B - Jun 2021 Consultation.pdf
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- 28 November 2022
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- 3.3 MB
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RoC - Part 6 - Appendix C - Sept 2021 Consultation.pdf
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- 28 November 2022
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- 8.6 MB
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RoC - Part 7 - Appendix C - Sept 2021 Consultation contd.pdf
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- 28 November 2022
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- 8.5 MB
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RoC - Part 8 - Appendix C - Sept 2021 Consultation contd.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 3.1 MB
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RoC - Part 9 - Appendix D - Feb 2022 Consultation.pdf
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- Date:
- 28 November 2022
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- 9.1 MB
Section 37 - Volume 1
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EIAR - Volume 1 - Non-Technical Summary.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 2.7 MB
Section 37 - Volume 2
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EIAR - Volume 2 - Main Report.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 4.3 MB
Section 37 - Volume 3a
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 1.1-2.1.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 5.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.1a-10.1e.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.1f-10.1k.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.1l-10.1n.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 5.1 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.1o-10.1r.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 5.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.2.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8.9 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.3.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 7.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.4-10.5.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 9.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.6.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.7a-10.7h.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 9 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.7i-10.7r.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.8a-10.8i.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 7.2 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.8j-10.8r.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 6.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 10.9.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 11.1-12.1.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 3.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 2.2.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 6.1 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 2.3.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 3.4 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 3.1-3.4.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 6.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 6.1-6.4.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 6.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 6.5a-6.5bc.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 7.5 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 6.5bd-6.5bf.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 4.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 6.6.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 8.1 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 7.1.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 4.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 8.1-8.3.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 7.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 8.4-9.2.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 5.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 9.3a-9.3c.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 8.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 9.3d-9.3g.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 9.4-9.5.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 6.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3a - Figures - Figure 9.7.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 933.7 KB
Section 37 - Volume 3b
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EIAR - Volume 3b - Visualisations - Figure 6.13-6.23.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 9.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3b - Visualisations - Figure 6.7-6.12.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8.2 MB
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EIAR - Volume 3b - Visualisations - Figure 7.2.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 6.5 MB
Section 37 - Volume 4
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA1.1 - 2.2.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 4.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.1 - 10.2.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 1.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.1a-10.3.1f.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 9.4 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.2a- 10.3.2c.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 8.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.2d- 10.3.2f.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 6.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.3aa-10.3.3af.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.3ba-10.3.3bf.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.5 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.4a-10.3.4c.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 5.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.4d-10.3.4f.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 5.9 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.5a- 10.3.5f.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 8.1 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.6a- 10.3.6f.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7aa-10.3.7af.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7ba- 10.3.7bf .pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7ca-10.3.7cf.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7da- 10.3.7df.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7ea - 10.3.7ef.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7fa- 10.3.7ff.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7ga- 10.3.7gf.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.7ha - 10.3.7hf.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Figs10.3.8a- 10.3.8f.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 7.7 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.3_Text.pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 1.1 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.4 (Part1).pdf
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- 22 November 2022
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- 6.1 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.4 (Part2).pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 7.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.4 (Part3).pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 8.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.5 .pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 9.4 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA10.6.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 6 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA11.1.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
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- 1.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA2.3 - 2.4.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 8.8 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA4.1.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 1.3 MB
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EIAR - Volume 4 - Technical Appendices - TA4.2- 4.3.pdf
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- Date:
- 22 November 2022
- Size:
- 3.2 MB
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