Overview
Status: Project Assessment
About the Project
Highland Windfarm is a proposed Wind Farm near Tomatin, in the Highland Council Area. Further information can be found on the developer Ampyr Energy and ESB’s website here: https://www.highlandwindfarm.co.uk/
The wind farm will have up to 24 turbines with a maximum height of 230m and a generating capacity of up to 168MW.
We are required to connect the development to the transmission subject to planning consent. To facilitate this, we are proposing to construct a new 132kV overhead line (OHL) and with some underground cable at the start and end of the connection route. Under our Network Operators License, this connection should be efficient, coordinated and economic, whilst having the least possible impact on the environment.
The proposal is a single circuit 132kV Trident Steel Pole OHL covering a distance of approximately 12km, with sections totaling approximately 3km of underground cable.
Why is the Project Required?
By 2050, the north of Scotland is expected to need 40GW of renewable energy capacity to help deliver net zero. Today, our region has just 8GW of renewable generation connected to the network.
At SSEN Transmission, it is our role to build the energy system of the future. We’re investing £10 billion into our region’s energy infrastructure, powering more than ten million UK homes and 20,000 jobs, 9,000 of which will be here in Scotland.
As the transmission licence holder in the north of Scotland, we have a duty under Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. We have obligations to offer non-discriminatory terms for connection to the transmission system, both for new generation and for new sources of electricity demand.
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
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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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Highland Wind Farm Connection - Public Consultation Event
Subject to planning consent, we are required to connect the Highland Wind Farm to the transmission network. To facilitate this, we are proposing to construct a new 132kV overhead line (OHL) on the route. There may also be sections of the connection where there is a requirement for underground cable.
We invite all interested parties to attend, meet the team, and share your views.
The event will be held on:
Date: 12 November 2024
Time: 2pm – 7pm
Venue: The Strathdearn, Tomatin, IV13 7YNIf you are unable to attend the public event all the material that will be on display will be available to be downloaded on the Project Documents section of the project webpage.
Please let us know if you require information in an adapted format such as paper copy, large print or braille and we will work with you to accommodate your preferences. We are happy to accommodate all reasonable requests for adapted communications.
Any comments made to us as the Applicant are not representations to Scottish Ministers as the decision makers. There will be an opportunity to make formal representations to Scottish
Documents
Consultation Documents
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Highland Wind Farm Connection Consultation Booklet.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 30 October 2024
- Size:
- 17.2 MB
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