Sloy to Windyhill Overhead Line Refurbishment Project

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.

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.  

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 15^th of September 2023.