Overview
Status: Construction Phase
About the Project
The Sloy to Windyhill Overhead Line is a 132kV double circuit running from Sloy Switching Station towards Windyhill Substation, with overhead line sections owned by us and Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN).
The circuits owned by us, extending over a 14.5km route, were originally constructed in 1951 and reconductored in 1971, with the earth wire last replaced in 1995. The ownership boundary between SPEN and our network is defined by Tower 51 on Sloy - Windyhill West line, and Tower 52 on the Sloy - Windyhill East line close to Glenmallan.
The overhead lines have been subject to significant steelwork corrosion, mainly due to diminished paintwork, which is reducing the remaining service life of the structures, and the conductors are near the end of design life. The solution to this deterioration is to reconductor and refit the overhead line and refurbish the towers, replace and upgrade the earth wire, and make upgrades to the tower foundations. SPEN have already refurbished the overhead line between Windyhill Substation and our network boundary.
Project Elements
To perform the works on this project in a safe manner we will need to construct and upgrade access tracks both within and just outside of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Any temporary tracks formed will be reinstated to their character landscape on the completion of the works.
The works that will make up the application will comprise of the following:
- The formation of temporary access tracks
- The upgrade of a number existing tracks
- Improvements and permanent enhancements to some sections of existing track
- Improving access points onto main roads at key interface locations
- Reinstatement of temporary access works upon completion of the project
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 proposals 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 and the wider affected community and to carry out engagement at key stages, listening to feedback before finalising project plans.
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
Featured updates
Featured updates for this project
Project updates
-
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.
-
Site Closure 2024
Works on site will pause for the 2024 festive period with the site closing from 20 December 2024 until 6 January 2025. Although the site will be closed for all construction workers during this period, security will remain in place. -
Project Construction Update
With Construction works on the Sloy-Windyhill Overhead Line Refurbishment Projects commencing in early April, our site team have been busy mobilising to site, ensuring all operatives and site attendees are inducted, briefed and clear of the planned works to be carried out.
As with all SSEN Transmission projects, health, safety and environmental considerations are at the heart of what we do, therefore all required pre-construction, environmental and ecological surveys have been completed to ensure preparedness for construction.
Upon construction commencement, the immediate priority has been the establishment of welfare compounds for the site team, providing operatives and site management a base to coordinate the works and the welfare facilities they need. The project has also made swift progress on the early access works, progressing with pace the access track network required to facilitate the overhead line refurbishment works. Due to the remote nature of the project and often difficult terrain, the construction of this access track network will be ongoing for the remainder of 2024.
Looking ahead to the summer, our focus turns to the full refurbishment works on the Sloy-Windyhill East circuit. These works include; Full reconductoring the circuits and replacement of the existing earthwire with OPGW (Fibre), replacement of all overhead line fittings, rectification and painting of all damaged and corroded tower steelwork and upgrading the tower foundations to support the weight of the new conductor being installed.
These refurbishment works will be ongoing until November at which point we hope the Sloy-Windyhill East project will be complete and energised, with our attention turning to the West line in 2025.
If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact the project Community Liaison Manager martha.e.smart@sse.com.
-
Three Lochs Way Diversion
As part of our ongoing refurbishment works please see the path closure and diversion route for walkers of the Three Lochs Way.
If you have any questions or query's relating to this please contact the Community Liaison Manager. We will provide a further update on the end date of this closure and diversion in due course. -
Project Construction Update
Construction is due to start for this project in early April. We will continue to engage with local residents and representatives as the project progresses but please don’t hesitate to contact the Community Liaison Manager Martha Smart if you have any further queries by emailing martha.e.smart@sse.com. -
Argyll and Kintyre project - Final Needs Case consultation
The GB electricity regulator Ofgem has provisionally approved SSEN Transmission’s proposals to upgrade the electricity transmission network in Argyll and Kintyre.
In its minded-to approve consultation on SSEN Transmission’s Final Needs Case, Ofgem has recognised the clear need for the Argyll and Kintyre Reinforcement Strategy, which will secure future electricity supplies in the area and enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation in the region. It will support the connection of at least 970MW of new renewable electricity generation, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.
As well as supporting the transition to net zero emissions, the investment will also help secure the country’s future energy independence by removing the country’s dependence and price exposure to volatile, global wholesale gas markets, with the deployment of low carbon, affordable, renewable electricity generation.The project will also unlock hundreds of skilled jobs throughout the construction phase and provide a significant economic boost to local and national economies, all while playing a key role in supporting the transition to net zero emissions and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.
Ofgem’s minded-to decision and consultation on the Argyll and Kintyre Final Needs Case can be found here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/argyll-and-kintyre-project-final-needs-case-consultation.
As a stakeholder led business SSEN Transmission would like to encourage all interested and relevant stakeholders to contribute to this important consultation before the closing date on 15th of September 2023. -
Public Consultation event - feedback now closed
Thank you to those who took the time to attend our virtual consultations events on Wednesday the 20th and Thursday the 21st of July. Our feedback period for this consultation is now closed, we will be reviewing all feedback and will be including it within our report on consultation. -
Public Consultation Events
Thank you to those who took the time to attend our virtual consultations events on Wednesday the 20th and Thursday the 21st of July. If you were unable to make this our feedback period is still open you can give us feedback via phone, email or by filling out one of our feedback forms by clicking the link below. You can submit feedback until the 5th of August thereafter our consultation period for this project will be closed.
Public Consultation event
Thank you to those who took the time to attend our in person consultation event on Wednesday 6th July. If you were unable to make it you are still able to attend our Virtual events:Wednesday 20th July between 5-7pm and Thursday 21st July from 10am-12noonAlternatively, you can give us feedback via phone, email or by filling out one of our feedback forms by clicking the link below. You can submit feedback until the 5th of August thereafter our consultation period for this project will be closed. -
Public consultation events
SSEN Transmission are hosting both a face to face public consultation along with a virtual online consultation exhibitions to gain views and feedback on our proposals to facilitate construction of temporary access tracks that will be created to facilitate the works, both within and just outside of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. We would encourage members of the local community and all interested parties to attend the events. The open-door drop-in face to face consultations will be held at the following location: Wednesday 6th July in Arrochar Village hall from 2pm - 7pm If you are unable to attend the above in person consultation, the virtual online consultation will be held on: Wednesday 20th July between 5-7pm and Thursday 21st July from 10am-12noon. -
Argyll Regional Information Sharing Webinar 2022
Please click to view our 2022 Argyll and Bute regional webinar where some of the SSEN team have given an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects across the area.
Documents
Project documents
-
July 2022 Public Consultation Booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 2.8 MB
FAQs
FAQs
Recite me
To make use of this function please click on the 3 'A's' button at the bottom left of the website.
