Coire Glas Connection Project

Public Consultation - November 2024 

Thank you to those who attended our recent pre-application consultation event at Invergarry Community Hall for the proposed Loch Lundie substation on 27^th November 2024. 

If you were unable to attend the public event the material displayed is available to be viewed and downloaded from the  Project Documents  section of this project webpage. 

Feedback can be submitted using the link at the top of this page, or by completing the feedback form in the consultation booklet or writing to the Community Liaison Manager, who`s details are at the bottom of this page.   The feedback period closes on 8^th January 2025. 

About the Project

We have received a Transmission Owner Agreement to connect the Coire Glas Pumped Hydro Scheme to our network 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), which supports the UK's drive towards Net Zero by 2050. A degree of rationalisation of the existing infrastructure will form part of these works.

The scheme is located southwest of Laggan Locks, near to Loch Lochy, Highland.  The connection is for a total of 1296MW Export/1360MW Demand and will be carried out in two phases. 

• Phase 1 will see the connection of 612MW Export/660MW Demand in December 2027
• Phase 2 will see the connection of a further 684MW Export/700MW Demand in October 2029

Phase 1 (connection December 2027)

• A new Coire Glas 400kV external Air Insulated Switching Station (AIS), this will include 2 control buildings
• Approximately 3.5km of 400kV overhead line - this will be installed from the proposed Coire Glas switching station to a new substation located in the vicinity of Loch Lundie
• A new 400/132kV substation in the vicinity of Loch Lundie - this will comprise a control building, 2 transformers and outdoor AIS equipment
• Approximately 8.5km of 400kV of overhead line - this will be between the proposed Loch Lundie substation to the existing Fort Augustus substation at Auchterawe

Phase 2 (connection October 2029)

There will be no further development work in the Fort Augustus area as part of this project. The works will include:

• The upgrade of the Beauly - Denny Overhead Line second circuit to 400kV operation
• Construction of the Eastern HVDC Peterhead – Drax link

Find Out More About Beauly - Denny 400kV Upgrade

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 project and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.

We endeavour to take the time to discuss our proposals with local community councils, Ward Councillors, and the wider affected community and to carry out engagement at key stages, listening to feedback before finalising project plans.

We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.

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.

To see the latest design update, please see the presentation slides which can be found in the Project Documents tab on this webpage.

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.