Overview of Fort Augustus Hub
Fort Augustus Substation is pivotal to SSEN Transmission's plans to upgrade the network in the North of Scotland. With multiple projects connecting into the substation, SSEN Transmission have extended their Community Liaison Group (CLG) meeting to incorporate all upcoming connection projects.
SSEN Transmission hosts a quarterly CLG meeting in Fort Augustus to provide updates on local connection projects relating to the Fort Augustus Substation and surrounding areas. These projects are a mix of projects in early development or projects about to go into construction.
The CLG gives residents the opportunity to find out about upcoming
consultation or public information events, get up to date information on projects and raise any issues relating to impact on the local community.
The meeting is open to all interested parties. There is also an email mailing list for updates and meeting minutes which you can sign up for by contacting the Community Liaison Manager.
Date of next meeting:
Monday 14th August 2023 at 7pm
The Lovat Hotel, Fort Augustus
Coire Glas Connection Project
SSEN Transmission have received a Transmission Owner Agreement to connect the Coire Glas Pumped Hydro Scheme for December 2027. The Scheme will be the first large-scale pumped storage scheme to be developed in the UK for more than 30 years and has a potential capacity of up to 1500 Megawatts (MW). This supports the UK move towards a net zero carbon energy system by 2050. A degree of rationalisation of the existing infrastructure will form part of these works.
Skye Reinforcement
We are currently developing proposals to reinforce the high voltage electricity network, from Ardmore on the Isle of Skye, to Fort Augustus. The existing 132kV overhead transmission line from Fort Augustus to Ardmore is the sole connection from the mainland electricity transmission system to Skye and the Western Isles and is essential for maintaining security of supply in the area.
Beauly to Denny 400kV Second Circuit Uprating
This project will see the second circuit on the existing Beauly- Denny overhead line (OHL) being upgraded from 275kV to 400kV, to accommodate new renewable energy generators expected to connect to the transmission network in coming years. On completion, both circuits will operate at 400kV. The Beauly-Denny OHL was constructed for 400kV operation on each of its two circuits but put into service with one operating at the lower voltage of 275kV. This means that no alterations to the existing OHL are required to upgrade it to 400kV.
Bhlaraidh Extension Wind Farm Connection
The existing Bhlaraidh wind farm is located to the west of Loch Ness, approximately 5km north of Invermoriston on a high rocky plateau. The proposed extension to the existing wind farm is due east on this plateau.
SSEN Transmission will be constructing a single circuit 132kV overhead line from the Bhlaraidh extension wind farm substation compound, for a distance of approximately 20km, to within around 0.5km of the Fort Augustus substation.
The remaining 0.5km distance, to a termination at the Fort Augustus substation will be by a 132kV underground cable; subject to obtaining the necessary wayleave and consent approvals.
For more information regrading the projects above, please contact our Community Liaison Manager Ryan Davidson: ryan.davidson@sse.com