Overview
Loch Buidhe 132kV Substation Energisation
In this video, our Lead Project Manager, Daryn Lucas, provides insight into the remote site which is situated within a European designated protected area, and the successful energisation of the 132kV air-insulated equipment at Loch Buidhe Substation as part of the £1.1billion Caithness - Moray Project.
Find Out More About Caithness - Moray HVDC Link
Lairg Loch Buidhe Community Liaison Group
The Lairg to Loch Buidhe Project has recently submitted applications for a new substation at Dalchork and a new overhead line connecting this to the recently completed Loch Buidhe Substation; as part of our planning submission we have included the establishment of a Community Liaison Group (CLG).
We have already set up and participated in CLGs across Scotland as part of some of our other construction projects, to ensure that the communities hosting these not only understand what is being undertaken but also, importantly, have the opportunity to work with us in a constructive manner.
We will establish the Lairg to Loch Buidhe CLG drawing on our experience gained from these previous construction projects which have used the CLG as the primary communication platform.
Initial Communication with the Community
Formation of the Lairg to Loch Buidhe CLG will require an initial meeting with the following:
- Elected Members from The Highland Council’s North, West and Central Sutherland Wards
- Representatives from the Lairg Community Council
- Members of the community residing within 2km of the development site
We will write to these parties to both introduce and explain the purpose of the CLG, propose an initial meeting date and provide an agenda for the meeting.
We will contact the Elected Members and Community Council Chair to identify a suitable venue for the initial meeting and also a suitable date that does not conflict with other community affairs.
Structure and Mechanism
The initial meeting will inform the Lairg community of the format and mechanism that the CLG will use during the construction and energisation phase of our project.
- The CLG will require regular attendance from representatives of the Lairg community.
- We would recommend that there are 1-2 members of the Lairg Community Council and 2-3 representatives from the wider community.
- The wider community members should be nominated, or elected, by the wider community.
- Attendance of Elected Highland Council Councillors to the CLG is important so they will also be invited.
- There may be requirement to have attendance from parties such as The Highland Council Roads Department, Transport Scotland, and Forestry Commission as necessary.
Once established, the meetings will be open to all members of the Lairg Community.
Members of the CLG would have a responsibility to represent the wider community and relay information to the Community Council and wider community through existing communication channels. The initial meeting will also be used to confirm the mechanism on how information will be distributed.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Lairg to Loch Buidhe CLG please email lisa.marchi@sse.com
Existing Network
The existing Beauly to Dounreay 275kV overhead transmission circuit runs for a distance of approx. 153km from Beauly substation in the South to Dounreay substation in the North and comprises a Western circuit which runs the full length from Beauly to Dounreay; and an Eastern circuit which originally ran from Beauly as far as the former tapping compound to Invergordon Smelter at Ardross.
Phase 1 Transmission Reinforcements
The Beauly - Dounreay Phase 1 Project commenced on site in October 2010 and involved the re-conductoring of the existing 275kV conductor between Beauly and Ardross; and installation of new conductors on the east side of the existing double circuit 275kV tower line from Ardross to Dounreay. This second circuit, running the full distance from Dounreay to Beauly, was completed early in 2013 and the project as a whole is now completed.
Phase 2 Transmission Reinforcements
The Beauly - Dounreay Phase 2 reinforcements comprised:-
- a new 275/132kV substation at Loch Buidhe;
- a new 275/132kV substation at Fyrish; and
- replacement of the existing 275kV conductor between Beauly and Loch Buidhe.
The voltage of the line remains unchanged. In relation to the overhead line re-conductoring works no additional towers have been erected, nor has there been an increase in the height of existing towers and the new conductors look the same as the existing ones from ground level.
The new substations house switchgear and transformers to support the upgraded overhead line and allow capacity for renewable energy projects to be connected between Beauly and Dounreay. Connection of these new substations to the existing overhead lines have also involved localised amendments to overhead tower arrangements in the vicinity of the Fyrish and Loch Buidhe substations.
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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Loch Buidhe Substation Successfully Energised
SSEN are pleased to announce the successful energisation of 132kV air-insulated equipment at Loch Buidhe substation. The works, which began on site in October 2014, are part of the Caithness – Moray project which represents the largest investment in the north of Scotland’s electricity network since the hydro development era of the 1950s. The 275kV element of the substation is now in its final stages and due to be energised at the beginning of the year.
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