Overview
Status: Operational Phase
About the Project
The 132kV double circuit overhead line between Inverness and Keith Substations has a total route length of 92km, 29km between Inverness and Nairn and 63km between Nairn, Elgin and Keith. The section between Inverness and Beauly was reconductored and reinsulated in 1992. The section between Beauly and Keith was constructed in 1955 and forms an integral part of the transmission system, which was upgraded between 2018 and 2021.
We invested in the network to fully refurbish many of the towers and replace the existing wires (conductors) starting from Beauly Substation in 2018 and finishing at Keith Substation in 2021. The new wires are capable of carrying increased amounts of electricity whilst ensuring the security of electricity supply.
There are some very challenging aspects along the route, including major road crossings (A82, A862 ,A96 and the A9), numerous railway crossings, and water crossings at the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. The overhead line also crosses through the residential area of Holm as well as historic sites such as Culloden Battlefield.
Project Activities
Some of the project activities undertaken are as follows:
- Some tree cutting along the route as required
- A number of tower foundation upgrades as required
- Tower steel strengthening
- New access tracks into tower locations as required
- Reconducting works (replacing existing conductors and fittings with new)
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
Project updates
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We're here to lend a helping hand
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
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Project Completion
The Beauly-Inverness-Keith project team and our delivery partner Balfour Beatty celebrate a job well done as the final section of the Beauly to Keith overhead line upgrade project is completed, bringing to a close 3 years of hard work. -
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SSEN Transmission teams have successfully completed the works between Beauly and Nairn
SSEN Transmission teams have successfully completed the works between Beauly and Nairn, which saw 40km of new overhead line installed over a 10-month period.Mike Cowie, SSEN Transmission’s Project Manager, said, “I’d like to thank the local communities for their patience as our teams have gone about their work, especially those who have been impacted by the various road closures and traffic management which have been in place along the route.“This phase of the project has been particularly challenging due to periods of bad weather we experienced, which meant that we had to re-schedule certain parts of the work plan, and so I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment which has seen the work completed on time. “ -
Temporary road closure
Temporary road closure starting on 9 July of a short section of Essich Road in the city during the hours of 09:00 -16:00 Monday to Friday. Works are expected to last approximately four weeks. -
Balfour Beatty awarded Beauly to Keith overhead line and cabling works worth c. £43.5 million
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has been awarded two contracts worth c. £43.5 million for the Beauly to Keith 132kV modernisation programme.Both contracts have been awarded by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, part of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), through the existing F2 Overhead Line General Works Framework and the 132kV Underground Cable Works Framework.Read more at: https://www.balfourbeatty.com/news/balfour-beatty-awarded-beauly-to-keith-overhead-line-and-cabling-works-worth-c-435-million/
Project FAQs
FAQs
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