Harris – Stornoway 132kV OHL

Type:
Transmission reinforcement
Location:
Western Isles
Rating:
132kV

Proposing the construction a new 132kV 'H' pole overhead line between Harris and Stornoway, following the existing route and delivering energy reliability.

Overview

Status: Construction Phase

Stage 4 of 5

5 joined together arrow shapes in a row each labelled with the stage number. The first 4 arrows are highlighted in filled green shades to indicate the project is at stage 4 of 5

  • Stage 1: Project Assessment: (Completed)

    During the Project Assessment stage, we’re committed to evaluating potential project strategies. At this stage, we provide information about the proposed project plans on our website for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on, as well as holding in-person events within the local community demonstrating our collaborative approach to the project's development.

  • Stage 2: Early Development: (Completed)

    During Early Development, we concentrate on refining the project details, based on our initial assessment of key environmental, technical, and economic factors to identify the best performing approach. We would like to gain further input from communities through accessible in-person and in some cases online consultations, which are crucial in refining our plans and strategies before advancing to the application stage.

  • Stage 3: Project Refinement: (Completed)

    The Project Refinement stage is where we finalise project plans and submit the required planning applications to the relevant planning authorities. Communities and other key stakeholders can provide feedback directly to the appropriate body such as their local council and constituent representatives.

  • Stage 4: Construction Phase: (In progress)

    Within the construction phase we mobilise our workforce, contractors, and necessary equipment to begin construction. We maintain open channels of communication, allowing communities and stakeholders to submit feedback on the construction activities to our dedicated Community Liaison Managers, ensuring ongoing engagement to any thoughts or concerns while we carry out work in the area.

  • Stage 5: Operational Phase:

    At this final stage, the project successfully moves into the operational phase, with the surrounding environment restored to its original state or better. Our Community Liaison Mangers continue to be available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring a lasting positive impact and strong community relations even after the construction activities conclude.

About the Project

We are proposing construction of a replacement 132kV overhead line between the Harris Grid Supply Point and Stornoway Grid Supply Point, replacing the existing single pole trident design with a 'H' pole trident line. The new wood pole line will be strung with an All Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC). The preference for the new route is to follow that of the existing OHL.

The project received Section 37 Planning Consent in February 2024. 

We are currently working with CNeS to discharge the pre-construction planning conditions. 

Our two principal contractors Norpower for the Harris Substation to Aline Forest section and Keltbray Energy for north of Aline Forest to Stornoway Substation section, are setting up welfare / offices on the site.  

Poles, steelwork and other construction materials have started to be delivered to the island, ahead of construction commencing later this summer. 

Why is the Project Required?

The existing 132kV overhead line between Harris and Stornoway is routed through both the Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis, and is part of the Western Isles circuit that runs from Stornoway to Fort Augustus. It was constructed in 1990 and consists of a single circuit that runs for circa 58km.

The location of this line is very susceptible to storm damage and high winds affecting the region, and therefore requires ongoing work and monitoring. The poles on the existing circuit have a history of storm damage in both 2006 and 2015.

Find Out More About Western Isles Connection Project

Find Out More About Balallan Switching Station and 132kV Overhead Line

Interactive Project Portal

To help interested parties gain a better understanding of what our proposed solution for the overhead line may look like in the local environment, specialist company 3DW have created an interactive collection of data which includes multiple 3D visualisations from locations across the route. The interactive map allows users to toggle between 3D views as they are currently, and how the local environment may look once the replacement line is erected.

Access the Project Portal

Map of Harris.

3D images created along the route (as per the above) can be viewed within the portal

towers on a foggy day on the hillside.

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.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken on this project since 2019, engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders including local community members. Engagement was undertaken via means such as virtual consultation platforms (due to COVID 19), face-to-face events in Summer 2022 and an online public meeting. 

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.

An SSEN Transmission employees speaking with a member of the public at their door.

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.

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Project Contacts

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