Overview
Status: Early Development
Spittal -Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV Connection
We would like to thank all members of the local community and interested parties who took the time to attend the one of the 14 public events across the project route between 03 - 20 June 2024.
During the consultation we shared our potential alignment for the overhead line, with alternative alignment options in some locations, presented through maps and visualisations.
The consultation period for this project has now closed and feedback is being reviewed by the project team. A Report on Consultation will be published in due course outlining the feedback received and the next steps.
If you were unable to attend the public event you can download the project materials that were on display here.
About the Project
In order to support the continued growth in onshore and offshore renewables across the north of Scotland, supporting the country's drive towards Net Zero, investment in network infrastructure is needed to connect this renewable power and transport it from source to areas of demand across the country.
Extensive studies have confirmed the need for a new 400kV connection between Spittal and Beauly, connecting into new 400kV substation sites at Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly. The project includes the following elements:
- A new 400kV connection between Spittal and Loch Buidhe
- A new 400kV connection between Loch Buidhe and Beauly
- New 400kV substations at Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly
Find Out More About New Spittal Area 400kV Substation
Find Out More About New Loch Buidhe Area 400kV Substation
Find Out More About New Beauly Area 400kV Substation
This video outlines how the project contributes to our role in delivering Net Zero.
Pathway to 2030
The Pathway to 2030, published by National Grid ESO, the electricity system operator for Great Britain, sets the blueprint for the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to enable the forecasted growth in renewable electricity across Great Britain.
The projects identified within the Pathway to 2030 are critical to delivering the UK and Scottish Government’s offshore wind targets. To deliver these targets, we are investing over £10bn to upgrade the network infrastructure across the north of Scotland as the region plays a leading role in the clean energy transition.
As part of this investment, there is a requirement for a new 400kV connection between Spittal and Beauly.
Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly Interactive Map
Ahead of our Route Option consultations in February 2023, our Environmental Consultants, ERM, created a story map where you can find out more information on the project including an interactive map.
These maps have been updated to include the refined routes and alignment options.
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 updates
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Project Status Update – November 2024
Following public consultation events on the potential alignment for our overhead line in Spring 2024, we received detailed feedback from a wide range of stakeholders including, but not limited to, local community members, landowners, local heritage groups, statutory consultees and developers.
Once again, we would like to thank all those who took the time to attend our in-person consultation events, read through our consultation materials, participated in any follow-up meetings and provided valuable written feedback. Stakeholder input is integral to the development of these proposals and is much appreciated.
Previous timeline
Our intention, as communicated during the previous public consultation, was to publish our Report on Consultation earlier this year, carry out further Public Consultation on the final alignment in Autumn 2024 and then submit our Section 37 Planning Application in Winter 2024.
Updated timeline
The feedback provided, has led us to carry out further investigation in some areas and consider some changes to our proposals. These further investigations are now being concluded, and we intend to publish our Report on Consultation (ROC) in January 2025.
Following publication of the ROC, we plan to carry out further public engagement events early next year. During these engagements, we will report back on feedback received during our last consultation and confirm final design proposals for the overhead line. Following these engagement events, we aim to submit our Section 37 Planning Application in Spring 2025.
More information regarding these events will be shared once dates and locations have been secured. -
Scoping Report submitted to Energy Consents Unit
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report for the Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV overhead line (OHL) project has now been prepared and submitted to the Energy Consents Unit.
The Scoping Report sets out our proposed approach and methodology for the assessment of route options within the Environmental Impact Assessment; the EIA process will allow us to identify how we can avoid or minimise environmental impacts of the proposed development and will help us to incorporate positive environmental enhancements.Further work is on-going to arrive at a Proposed Alignment which will form the basis of the future EIA Report which will accompany the future consent application.
You can read our EIA Scoping report together with supporting Appendices here: Scottish Government - Energy Consents Unit - Application Details - ECU00006008
Please note that a Web Viewer is used to support the report which can be found here: Spittal - Loch Beauly - Beauly 400kV OHL Scoping Web Viewer
WATCH: View SSEN Transmission’s webinar called ‘Overground, underground, or subsea - how decisions are made on where electricity transmission lines go’
This week SSEN Transmission hosted a webinar to outline the differences behind technology options which will help transform the electricity grid in the north of Scotland in the journey to net zero.
The webinar, titled ‘Overground, underground, or subsea - how decisions are made on where electricity transmission lines go’, explore topics such as the comparison between the different transmission technologies and the complexities and challenges that come with transporting the huge amount of renewable energy being generated across the country to where it is needed.
Watch the full webinar within News and Views. Video length is approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. -
Going with the Flow to protect our important ecosystems
Specialist teams at SSEN Transmission have been working with communities and public bodies to minimise the impact of infrastructure works on the Flow Country – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this blog, Senior Consents and Environment Manager Tara Cowley explains that environmental protection is at the heart of our project development process.
At SSEN Transmission we were delighted to hear the news that the Flow Country has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, in recognition of the globally important role this peatland plays in the fight against climate change.
Read the full article to find out more.
Highland community award nomination for clean energy contractor
A key contractor working with SSEN Transmission has been nominated for a Highland Business Award for its work within the local community, including support for local schools and skills development to help young people access the workplace.
Engineering and construction company Murphy is in the running for a community engagement award, given to businesses that demonstrate ongoing commitment and support for its local community, helping to improve the lives of others and making the community a better place to live.
Read the full article to find out more. -
Ground Investigation Works
Ground Investigation Works Overview:
Over the coming months, our contractors will undertake ground investigation (GI) works, to help inform the next stage of development relating to the alignment of new Spittal – Loch Buidhe - Beauly 400kV overhead line.
These works will involve digging hand excavated inspection pits, drilling boreholes, digging trial pits and testing the strength of the soil and underlying rock with specialist equipment.
This allows engineers to understand the engineering properties of the soil and rock beneath potential tower locations and their ability to support the structures.
This work is a necessary step in any new development and the results will help determine the best design for overhead line alignments.
Timeline/Programme:- The works will commence on 12th August 2024 and expected to continue until late 2025
- GI works will initially commence for a period of approx 3 weeks around the middle of the proposed Spittal – Loch Buidhe overhead line in an upland area.
- Works will relocate up to the prospective Banniskirk Hub Site (near Spittal) and progress sequentially south to each proposed tower location along the proposed overhead line alignment. Landowners will be contacted, and access arrangements agreed before any works progress.
- Where there are environmental designations which require consents or licenses to be obtained, these will be scheduled later in the programme and / or out with seasonal restrictions.
- Works will therefore not take place in a linear fashion along the whole project.
- The schedule and sequencing of ground investigation works may change through findings and seasonal restrictions throughout the 12–18 month period.
- There will be likely be three working teams on site at any one time, each responsible for conducting their ground investigation works at a single proposed tower location.
- Work at each tower location will take 3 days depending on what is found.
What the works involve:
Ground Investigation work may be adapted dependent on findings and agreements with Landowners but will typically comprise of:
- Machinery being towed into position before being assembled.
- Appropriate traffic management measures being put in place (if deemed necessary) and agreed with the relevant authorities prior to doing so.
- A variety of tools will be raised and lowered, either by a cable and winch or a series of steel rods, to drill holes and dig pits to take samples or carry out tests.
- Hand excavated inspection pits to a depth of 1.20m in advance of all boreholes.
- A borehole at the centre of the proposed tower location (with some towers having 2 boreholes at diagonally opposite legs)
- Machine excavated trial pits at the diagonally opposite legs of proposed tower locations
- Ground Strength tests at each tower and along access routes
- Short bursts of noise may occur as tests are performed or samples are taken using a hammering action.
- Machinery will typically be in place for a few days.
- The work at each proposed tower location requires a minimum of two people, in a small working area .
- On completion, the ground will be reinstated as agreed with the landowner and/or relevant authorities.
- Boreholes may have instrumentation installed to monitor ground water or gas levels.
- Where an installation remains, the only thing visible is a small cover, level with the ground, or a small steel barrel to provide protection
- Laboratory testing, geotechnical and environmental analysis and reporting.
The GI site works, and access will be overseen by a full time Ecological Clerks of Works (ECoW) and Archaeological Clerk of Work (ACoW) employed by the Principal Contractor, Murphy Group, with support from our Environmental Consultants. Their primary responsibility will be to ensure the works do not impact on local wildlife, sensitive habitats, or archaeological features.
The GI Works will be carried out using Permitted Development rights available to SSEN Transmission under Class 40, (1), (c) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 as amended, being necessary survey works.
Our contractors will work to keep local disturbance to a minimum throughout the duration of these works. For any enquiries, please contact SLBB@sse.com.
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Feedback Period Closed
We would like to thank all members of the local community and interested parties who took the time to attend the one of the 14 public events across the project route between 03 - 20 June 2024.
During the consultation we shared our potential alignment for the overhead line, with alternative alignment options in some locations, presented through maps and visualisations.
The consultation period for this project has now closed and feedback is being reviewed by the project team. A Report on Consultation will be published in due course outlining the feedback received and the next steps.
If you were unable to attend the public event you can download the project materials that were on display here.
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March 2024 Public Engagement Events
We would like to thank all local community members and stakeholders who took the time to attend our recent March 2024 public engagement events which took place 11 – 28 March with 14 in person events covering the Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly 400kV projects.
Our feedback period remains open until 28 April. We welcome all interested parties to submit their feedback regarding the proposals presented during consultation via;
Online feedback form: Spittal to Loch Buidhe to Beauly Feedback Form
Email: slbb@sse.com
Post: FAO Martin Godwin, SSEN Transmission, 10 Henderson Road, Inverness, IV1 1SN
Copies of the information booklet, maps and consultation document for the alternative route D/E are available to download via the ‘Project Documents’ section of this project website.
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Webinar: Update on ‘Pathway to 2030’ Projects
On the 13 December we held a stakeholder webinar ‘Update on Pathway to 2030 Projects’ to hear about some of the primary changes to our ‘Pathway to 2030’ projects which we’ve been working on since our public consultations earlier this year. Thank you to the 500+ stakeholders who were able to join us.The recording of the event and slide packs are available below for those who were unable to attend.
Report on Consultation
Our Reports on Consultation across our three new overhead line projects and associated substation and convertor station developments have now been published. These reports provide a summary of the extensive feedback received during consultation, how this has been considered and confirmation of which routes and substations are now being taken forward to the next stage of development.
Our Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab.
Summary Reports on Consultation are also available for each of the three schemes and can be downloaded below:
- Summary Report on Consultation Beauly to Peterhead
- Summary Report on Consultation Spittal to Beauly
- Summary Report on Consultation Kintore to Tealing
A stakeholder webinar available for all to join will be held in the coming weeks to share the changes informed by the feedback. More information about the forthcoming webinar will be shared on our events page shortly.
In further recognition of community feedback, we will seek to rationalise cumulative infrastructure impacts through the removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines, where technically practical and appropriate, and subject to all necessary planning consents and landowner agreements.
Work to identify and assess potential sections of existing overhead line where their removal will reduce cumulative impacts is ongoing, with an update expected as part of the next round of public consultation on overhead line alignments and more detailed substation designs in early 2024.
We would once again like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to engage with our early consultation process. We will continue to engage with stakeholders ahead of consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine our proposals.
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Report on Consultation
Over the course of this year, we have undertaken extensive consultation on plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland and have received a considerable amount of feedback from a wide range of stakeholders regarding our proposals.
We recently advised in our next steps for 2030 network developments update that following assessment of consultation feedback and additional options analysis, we would publish our Report on Consultations (RoCs). These reports provide a summary of the feedback received and how it has been considered, which options we will take forward to the next stage of the development process and any changes to options initially consulted on.
It is our intention to publish the RoCs for this project in the coming months. All stakeholders signed up for updates on the project will receive a link to the report and we will also issue Summary Reports to help ensure accessibility.
These Report on Consultations mark the completion of the first round of non-statutory consultation, where we sought feedback on the corridor, route, and substation locations. We will be consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine the projects, therefore we welcome an open channel of communication and would like to reassure all stakeholders that there will be further opportunities to engage on this project.
Our Reports on Consultation and Summary Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab. -
SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for Pathway to 2030 network developments
We have announced our next steps for our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects. We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our teams and kindly taken the time to respond to our consultations.
Full details of the announcement can be found here:
Next steps for Pathway to 2030 -
Survey works to help inform next stages of development
We have recently started localised surveys, assessments and ground investigation works at various locations across the Pathway to 2030 projects which will be used to help gather information to inform the next stage of development for a major electricity transmission network upgrade in the north of Scotland.
Over the coming weeks and months, our project teams and contractors will undertake a series of site-specific assessments which include the likes of ground investigations, bird surveys, LiDAR flights, and ecological and archaeological walkovers and assessments.
Ground investigation works have either recently commenced or are set to begin throughout the Summer for the new 400kV substation and converter stations proposed as part of our Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV connection, Western Isles connection, Beauly – Blackhillock – New Deer – Peterhead 400kV connection and East Coast 400kV phase 2 projects. Project teams and contractors will undertake a series of site-specific assessments which will help provide vital information and key data for the next phase of project development.
Some of the geo-technical ground investigations may involve drilling boreholes or digging trial pits, which will allow engineers to understand the geographical make-up and suitability of the ground in certain locations to help inform potential design options.
Site assessments and survey works are a key part of the project development process, and the results of these investigations will provide project teams with valuable information to help inform decisions regarding substation site selections and overhead line routes, which will be subject to further consultation later this year.
Initial surveys will prioritise sites and routes which performed the best based on our initial assessment of key environmental and people, technical, and economic factors, and there have been no decisions taken on locations as yet.
There may be more activity on the ground over the summer, and whilst most assessments are expected to cause very little local disruption, we would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst they are carried out. Where more evasive assessments are required such as ground investigation works, we will work to keep local disruption and environmental impacts to a minimum. Please contact your local Community Liaison Manager if you have any questions.
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Consultation feedback has now closed
We would like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to attend and respond to our recent public consultation regarding our identified route options and substation locations for the new Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV Connection project.
The in-person consultation events were held between 20th February and 6th March at 9 different locations between Halkirk and Beauly and supplemented with an online event. The consultation feedback period was extended by two weeks and closed on 14th April.
Our proposals received a particularly high level of interest with over 600 online feedback forms received and a large volume of email and letter feedback.
We look forward to engaging further with local communities and stakeholders as we begin detailed analysis on the feedback received and carrying out more targeted engagement to assist with refining proposals. Our next public consultation event is currently scheduled for late 2023.
In the meantime, a Consultation Summary Report and a Frequently Asked Questions document will be published in the coming weeks.
Public Consultation February - March 2023
Public consultation feedback period has now closed
We would like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to attend and respond to our recent public consultation regarding our identified route options and substation locations for the new Spittal – Loch Buidhe – Beauly 400kV Connection.
The in-person consultation events were held between 20th February and 6th March at 9 different locations between Halkirk and Beauly and supplemented with an online event. The consultation feedback period was extended by two weeks and closed on 14th April.
Our proposals received a particularly high level of interest with over 600 online feedback forms received and a large volume of email and letter feedback.
We look forward to engaging further with local communities and stakeholders as we begin detailed analysis on the feedback received and carrying out more targeted engagement to assist with refining proposals.
A Consultation Summary Report is available on the Project Documents tab of this webpage.
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Digital story maps
Our digital story maps provide the detail included within our public consultation events.
This story map outlines the new Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly 400kV overhead line and includes an interactive map of the proposed routes.Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly OHL Connection Story Map
Virtual Public Consultation Event - 6th March 2023
Enter Virtual Exhibition Room
Join us on Monday 6th March 2023 from 5pm - 7pm for our live Virtual Consultation event.
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Public Consultation Events
We will be holding initial drop-in public consultation events in February/March 2023 to share our approach to developing this project and the rationale behind our early proposals.
This will involve hosting multiple consultation events between Spittal and Beauly to hear stakeholder views regarding our preferred technology options, thoughts on our proposed route option for the new 400kV connection and, if there are further considerations you believe need to be taken in to account during the next stage of the development process.
The consultation events will be taking place on:
20th February (2.30–7pm) - Halkirk, Ross Institue
21st February (2.30–7pm) - Helmsdale, Bunilidh Social Club
22nd February (2.30–7pm) - Dunbeath, Dunbeath Hall
23rd February (2.30–7pm) - Golspie, Fountain Road Hall
27th February (3.30–7pm) - Bonar Bridge, Community Hall
28th February (2.30–7pm) - Ardross, Community Hall
1st March (2.30–7pm) - Dingwall – Legion Hall
2nd March (2.30–7pm) - Beauly – Kilmorack Hall
6th March (5–7pm) Virtual event (Joining details to follow on website)
Should you have any questions regarding the consultations please contact the Community Liaison Manager, Martin Godwin.
Documents
Alignment Consultation Materials - June 2024
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Section E - Summary handouts.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 11 June 2024
- Size:
- 97.2 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about Section E and was provided during our consultation in June 2024.
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Section D - Summary handouts.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 10 June 2024
- Size:
- 48.9 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about Section D and was provided during our consultation in June 2024.
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Section C - Summary handouts.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 10 June 2024
- Size:
- 48.9 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about Section C and was provided during our consultation in June 2024.
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Section B - Summary Handouts
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 June 2024
- Size:
- 48.9 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about Section B and was provided during our consultation in June 2024.
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Section A - summary handouts.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 03 June 2024
- Size:
- 41.7 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about Section A and was provided during our consultation in June 2024.
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SLBB events poster.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 02 June 2024
- Size:
- 158.4 KB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about our consultation events in June 20234
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Alignment Consultation Document - May 2024.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 33.4 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in June 24
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Alignment Consultation Booklet - June 2024 events.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 7.2 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in June 2024
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Alignment Consultation Maps (Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 45.1 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within the project, published 21 May 2024
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Alignment Constraint Maps (Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 55.7 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within the project, published 21 May 2024
Alignment Consultation Maps by Section - June 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ C1.1 (Culrain).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 10 June 2024
- Size:
- 652.2 KB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within C1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Map ~ Section A1.1 - A1.2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.1 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within A1.1 - A1.2, produced 3 June 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section A1.2 - A1.4.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 3 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within A1.2 - A1.4, produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section A1.4 - A1.5 (Helmsdale area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.2 MB
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Alignment Maps ~ Section A1.4 (Dunbeath area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 1.3 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within A1.4, produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section A1.5 - B1.1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.1 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within A1.5 - B1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section B1.1 - B1.2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within B1.1 - B1.2, produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section B1.1 (Brora area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within B1.1,Vproduced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section C1.1 - D1.1 (Culrain area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within C1.1 - D.1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section D1.1 - D1.2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.9 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within D1.1 - D1.2 produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section D1.1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within D1.1 produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section D1.2 - E1.1 (Strathpeffer area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within D1.2 - E1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Alignment Maps ~ Section E1.1 - E1.3.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.9 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within E1.1 - E1.3, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Map ~ Section A1.1 - A1.2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within A1.1-A1.2, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Map ~ Section B1.1 (Brora area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.8 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within B1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section A1.2 - A1.4.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 5.2 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within A1.2 - A1.4, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section A1.4 - A1.5 (Helmsdale area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 5.1 MB
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Constraint Maps ~ Section A1.4 (Dunbeath area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.2 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within A1.4, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section A1.5 - B1.1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within A1.5-B1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section B1.1 - B1.2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 6.1 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within B1.1 - B1.2, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section C1.1 - D1.1 (Culrain area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within C1.1 - D1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section D1.1 - D1.2.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 5.7 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within D1.1 - D1.2, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section D1.1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.9 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within D1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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Constraint Maps ~ Section D1.2 - E1.1 (Strathpeffer area).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 5.1 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within D1.2-E1.1, produced 21 May 2024
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e
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 May 2024
- Size:
- 4.9 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within Section E1.1 -E1.3 , produced 21 May 2024
Pathway to 2030 Projects - Additional Information
March 2024 Public Events
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Consultation Document_2024 Addendum.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 12 March 2024
- Size:
- 657.8 KB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in March 2024
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Public Event Booklet - March 2024 (2).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 2.8 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation in March 2024
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Section D-E Alternative Route Options.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 22.4 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the alternative route options in section D-E and was provided during our consultation in March 2024
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Events advert.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 94 KB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about our consultation events in March 2024
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Refined Route Maps - Section D.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 12.3 MB
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Refined Route Maps - All sections.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 119.6 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section A1 to A1.5.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 7.8 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section A1.1 to A1.3.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 6.5 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section A1.1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 7.1 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section A1.5 to A1.6.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 7.5 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section A1.5 to B1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 10.3 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section B.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 12.2 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section B1, C1 ,D1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 12.4 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section D,E.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 15 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section D1.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 14.2 MB
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Refined Route Maps - Section E.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 27 February 2024
- Size:
- 14.4 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section A).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.8 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section A1.1 - A1).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.8 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section A1.1-A3).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 6.9 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section A1-A5).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section A-B).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.9 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section B).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 6 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section B-C-D).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.6 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section D).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.6 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section D1).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 5.5 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section D-E).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.8 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Map (Section E).pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
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SLBB Refined Routes Constraints Maps (All Sections A-E).pdf
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- Date:
- 26 February 2024
- Size:
- 121.8 MB
Report on Consultation
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Spittal to Loch Buidhe to Beauly proposed route maps.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 02 February 2024
- Size:
- 17.6 MB
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Report on Consultation - Community Council Briefing Slides - SLBB.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 14 December 2023
- Size:
- 3 MB
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Report on Consultation - New Beauly Area 400kV Substation and HVDC Converter Station.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.3 MB
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RoC - New Beauly Area 400kV Substation - Figure 2 - Proposed Site.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 1.6 MB
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Summary ROC - Spittal to Beauly.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 4.8 MB
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Report on Consultation - New Spittal Area 400kV Substation and HVDC Converter Station.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 1.5 MB
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RoC - New Spittal Area 400kV Substation - Figure 1 - Site Selection Options.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 6.7 MB
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RoC - New Spittal Area 400kV Substation - Figure 2 - Spittal Proposed Substation and HVDC Converter Station Site.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 4.1 MB
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Report on Consultation - New Loch Buidhe Area 400kV Substation.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 1.6 MB
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RoC - New Loch Buidhe 400kV Substation - Figure 1 -Site Selection Options.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 12 MB
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RoC - New Loch Buidhe 400kV Substation - Figure 2 -Proposed Substation Site.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 3.2 MB
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Report on Consultation - Spittal to Loch Buidhe to Beauly Overhead Line.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 3.2 MB
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RoC - Spittal to Beauly OHL - Figure 1 - Route Options Presented at Consultation.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 6.7 MB
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RoC - Spittal to Beauly OHL - Figure 2 - Proposed Route options to take forward to alignment phase.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 6.1 MB
Project Documents
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Report on Consultation - Community Council Briefing Slides - SLBB.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 13 December 2023
- Size:
- 3 MB
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Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly 400kV OHL_Route Selection_Consultation Document Aug 2023.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 05 October 2023
- Size:
- 17.2 MB
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Consultation Summary Report - Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly - July 23.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 13 July 2023
- Size:
- 1.3 MB
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Consultation response May 2023.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 17 May 2023
- Size:
- 166.2 KB
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Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly initial consultation feedback response 28.03.23.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 28 March 2023
- Size:
- 199.9 KB
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Spittal to Loch Buidhe to Beauly Preferred Route Constraints Maps Sections A,B,C,D,E Feb/March 2023
- Type:
- Date:
- 22 February 2023
- Size:
- 34.3 MB
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Consultation Booklet (Spittal - Loch Buidhe - Beauly 400kV) Feb/March 2023
- Type:
- Date:
- 17 February 2023
- Size:
- 67.3 MB
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Public Consultation Poster - Feb/March 2023
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 February 2023
- Size:
- 101 KB
FAQs
Who we are
About the Pathway to 2030 projects
Our approach to routeing and public consultation
Environmental considerations
Communities and landowner considerations
Cost and engineering considerations
Latest Links
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Report on Consultation
Our Reports on Consultation across our three new overhead line projects and associated substation and convertor station developments have now been published. These reports provide a summary of the extensive feedback received during consultation, how this has been considered and confirmation of which routes and substations are now being taken forward to the next stage of development.
Our Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab.
Summary Reports on Consultation are also available for each of the three schemes and can be downloaded below:
- Summary Report on Consultation Spittal to Beauly
- Summary Report on Consultation Beauly to Peterhead
- Summary Report on Consultation Kintore to Tealing
A stakeholder webinar available for all to join will be held in the coming weeks to share the changes informed by the feedback. More information about the forthcoming webinar will be shared on our events page shortly.
In further recognition of community feedback, we will seek to rationalise cumulative infrastructure impacts through the removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines, where technically practical and appropriate, and subject to all necessary planning consents and landowner agreements.
Work to identify and assess potential sections of existing overhead line where their removal will reduce cumulative impacts is ongoing, with an update expected as part of the next round of public consultation on overhead line alignments and more detailed substation designs in early 2024.
We would once again like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to engage with our early consultation process. We will continue to engage with stakeholders ahead of consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine our proposals.
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Report on Consultation
Over the course of this year, we have undertaken extensive consultation on plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland and have received a considerable amount of feedback from a wide range of stakeholders regarding our proposals.
We recently advised in our next steps for 2030 network developments update that following assessment of consultation feedback and additional options analysis, we would publish our Report on Consultations (RoCs). These reports provide a summary of the feedback received and how it has been considered, which options we will take forward to the next stage of the development process and any changes to options initially consulted on.
It is our intention to publish the RoCs during the week commencing 27 November. All stakeholders signed up for updates on the project will receive a link to the report and we will also issue Summary Reports to help ensure accessibility.
These Report on Consultations mark the completion of the first round of non-statutory consultation, where we sought feedback on the corridor, route, and substation locations. We will be consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine the projects, therefore we welcome an open channel of communication and would like to reassure all stakeholders that there will be further opportunities to engage on this project.
Our Reports on Consultation and Summary Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab. -
SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for Pathway to 2030 network developments
We have announced our next steps for our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects. We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our teams and kindly taken the time to respond to our consultations.
Full details of the announcement can be found here:
Next steps for Pathway to 2030