Overview
Status: Project Assessment
About the Project
Since the winter of 2010, we have been developing proposals for a new high voltage electricity overhead line in the Gills Bay area. The development has been prompted by proposed and contracted marine and wind renewable generators requiring connection to the main transmission network. There is no existing network in the area capable of accommodating this additional generation.
To provide the capacity needed, a combination of a new 132kV double circuit overhead line and underground cable is proposed between the recently constructed 275/132kV substation south of Thurso (Thurso South) and a new substation proposed at Philips Mains, south of Gills Bay (Gills Bay substation).
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 proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
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.
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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Section 37 Update
The Highland Council objected to our S37 application for the Gills Bay overhead line project on the grounds of visual impact in January 2017.
The application was then referred to the Scottish Government’s Department for Environment and Planning Appeals (DPEA) who allocated a Scottish Government Reporter to consider the application further through an inquiry. This has been completed with consent being subsequently granted in July 2019.
The project is now progressing; however, due to a change in background demand over time, we have undertaken a review of the project need. The result is that a re-design of the proposed substation at Gills Bay is required. The site will become a Switching Station as it is no longer required to house any 33 kV elements and associated transformers, therefore reducing in size and scope.
Once this design has been completed, we shall be applying for new Planning Consent for this revised switching station in early 2021.
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Project Update
The Highland Council has objected to our s37 application for the Gills Bay Overhead Line project on the grounds of visual impact in January 2017. The application has now been referred to the Scottish Governments Department for Environment and Planning Appeals (DPEA) who will allocate a Scottish Government Reporter to consider the application further. The DPEA will now consider the format and timescales for an inquiry regarding the proposals. SHET will provide an update on the process and timescales for this inquiry in due course -
Highland Council planning committee objection
We are disappointed by the Highland Council North Planning Applications Committee's decision to object to the proposed Gills Bay transmission link and will carefully consider the issues raised and our options. The new infrastructure is needed to enable future phases of the MeyGen tidal generation development in the Pentland Firth to connect. As a responsible developer, we have worked with a wide range of stakeholders over several years to develop detailed proposals which balance environmental, technical and economic considerations. The route seeks to avoid impacts on important north coast landscapes and main tourist routes. On the inland route proposed, we have made efforts to minimise impacts on residential amenity, existing agricultural land use and key environmental features.
Documents
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ssen-gills-bay-12pp-booklet-24583-artwork-digital.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
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ssen-gills-bay-consultation-banners-24513-artwork-digital.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 16 September 2022
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
FAQs
FAQs
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