Greener grid at Glen Kyllachy
SSEN Transmission marked yet another significant milestone on the journey to net zero emission as it announced the energisation of the Glen Kyllachy wind farm transmission connection, near Tomatin in the Scottish Highlands. The new connection consisted of a new overhead line, underground cable circuit and a brand-new substation at which the windfarm will connect to the national grid.
The new substation will not only facilitate the connection of new renewable energy to the grid, it will also be home to the first SF6-free Siemens Clean Air Power Voltage Transformers on the GB Transmission network, helping to support the transition to net zero emissions and the fight against climate change by removing SF6 gas.
For decades, SF₆ gas has been used extensively across the electrical industry as an insulating gas for switchgear in substations, with the electricity transmission industry responsible for 80% of the world’s usage. However, SF₆ is a greenhouse gas that is 23,500 times more harmful to the earth’s atmosphere than CO2 which if released, stays in the atmosphere for over 3,000 years.
In August 2020, SSEN Transmission announced ambitious plans to reduce its own emissions in line with what is required to meet net zero emissions, becoming the world’s first electricity networks company to receive external accreditation for a science-based target consistent with a 1.5°C global warming pathway. As part of this commitment, SSEN Transmission is focused in installing ground-breaking, innovative net zero technology across its network, with a particular focus on SF6 free technologies.
In the last 18 months, SSEN Transmission has energised the UK’s first SF₆ gas-free transmission voltage circuit breakers at its substation in Dunbeath, which will be followed by the installation of the technology at Dalchork substation. In January this year, SSEN Transmission announced, in partnership with GE, the construction of the world’s first 400kV Green Gas for Grid (g3) substation at Kintore.
The installation and energisation of Siemen’s Clean Air Power Voltage Transformers at Glen Kyllachy substation, yet another first, is a clear demonstration of SSEN Transmission’s Science Based Target commitment in action, as it continues to deliver a Network for net zero.
Remarking on the milestone, Project Manager Laurence Kibblewhite said.
“With our network region home to some of the world’s greatest resources of renewable energy, we have a critical role to play in helping the UK and Scottish Government meet their commitments to achieve net zero emissions by connecting more renewable energy and transporting it across the country.
“Whilst our most material contribution to action against climate change is our role in connecting clean green energy, we are also determined to tackle responsibility for our own emissions. We are doing this by employing innovative technology in every aspect of our operations.
“By using these innovations, such as Siemens’ SF6-free Siemens Clean Air Power Voltage Transformers at Glen Kyllachy, we are not only reducing the environmental impact on our own network, we are demonstrating to the wider energy industry that there is a viable alternative to SF6 out there, supporting Government net zero targets, including the recently announced interim 78% emission reduction target by 2035."