Fort Augustus Substation

Fort Augustus Substation ConsultationSeptember 2016

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.

What is the difference between Transmission and Distribution?Electricity Transmission is the transportation of electricity from generating plants to where it is required at centres of demand.

The Electricity Transmission network, or grid, transports electricity at very high voltages through overhead wires, underground cables and subsea cables. The transmission network connects large scale generation, primarily renewables, to central and southern Scotland and the rest of Great Britain.

The Electricity Distribution network is connected into the Transmission network but the voltage is lowered by transformers at electricity substations, and the power is then distributed to homes and businesses through overhead lines or underground cables.

Overview of Transmission projects

Who we are

Other SSE Businesses

Scottish Hydro Electric

Transmission Plc (SHE Transmission)

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc

(SHEPD)

Southern Electric Power

Distribution(SEPD)


Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning

Aberdeen

Peterhead

Kintore

Moray Firth

Blackhillock

Denny

Kincardine

Arran

HunterstonKintyre

Perth

Dounreay

Orkney

Spittal

TomatinFort Augustus

Fort William

Dalmally

Gills Bay

Western Isles

Shetland

Beauly

Mossford

SkyeKnocknagael

Lairg

Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)

Mybster

Existing infrastructure

Completed

Under construction

Potential development

Advanced planning


Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning

Aberdeen

Peterhead

Kintore

Moray Firth

Blackhillock

DennyKincardine

Arran

HunterstonKintyre

Perth

Dounreay

Orkney

Spittal

TomatinFort Augustus

Fort William

Dalmally

Gills Bay

Western Isles

Shetland

Beauly

Mossford

Skye Knocknagael

Lairg

Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)

Mybster

We are part of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, operating under licence as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc for the transmission of electricity in the north of Scotland.In total we maintain about 5,000km of overhead lines and underground cables – easily enough to stretch across the Atlantic from John O’Groats all the way to Boston in the USA.

Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challenging terrain – including circuits that are buried under the seabed, are located over 750m above sea level and up to 250km long.

The landscape and environment that contribute to the challenges we face also give the area a rich resource for renewable energy generation. There is a high demand to connect from new wind, hydro and marine generators which rely on Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is delivering a major programme of investment to ensure that the network is ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future.

Our responsibilities As we are the only company that owns an electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland we are closely regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem. We are issued with a licence to operate and we must adhere to the terms of the licence. For this reason we operate on a very separate basis to other SSE businesses.

Project Overview

The growth in energy generation, including from local renewable energy sources, has contributed to a need for reinforcement of the existing infrastructure at Fort Augustus substation. In addition future security of supply changes and development of the wider electrical network are also required.

Project Description

The project development team have identified five main requirements to reinforce Fort Augustus substation, these include:

• Expansion of the existing substation footprint;

• Construction of three new buildings that will house electrical switchgear;

• The construction and connection of four new transformers and reactor units;

• Construction of new, overhead aluminium structures (busbars) and underground connections within the expanded substation footprint; and

• The relocation and removal of existing substation equipment.

The project development team will be undertaking a number of studies to identify a solution which balances Economic, Technical and Environmental factors whilst also considering the views of members of the public and other key stakeholders.

Need for the project

Purpose of this public consultation We are introducing the Fort Augustus Substation Reinforcement Project, and commencing with the first public consultation period. Information and comments received will be used by the project development team to progress the substation design.

Spring 2023 / Winter2024

Phase 2 Construction (400kV and 275kV equipment) and Commissioning.

Project Timeline

September 2016 Introduction of project and first public consultation events held to gain information and feedback on the initial options being considered (current stage).

2015 / 2016 Progress option appraisal studies following the identification of Project requirement. High level environmental studies, along with engineering investigations, undertaken to establish feasible options for the project.

Initial discussions held with statutory consultees to introduce the project and seek feedback.

October 2016 to Spring 2017

Consultation feedback and further studies reviewed. A preferred option will be established and further developed.

Spring / Summer 2017

Conduct detailed environmental assessments and refine proposed option where necessary. Secondary public consultation will be held to display the preferred option ahead of preparing a Planning Application which will be submitted to The Highland Council.

Summer 2017 Planning Application submitted to The Highland Council.

Autumn 2017 / Early 2018

Project will enter a period of refinement ahead of engaging a Principal Contractor and Equipment suppliers.

Summer 2018 / Autumn 2021

Phase One Construction (400kV and 132kV equipment) and Commissioning.

The chart below shows the main stages of the development process and the opportunities there will be for members of the public to give feedback as site project progresses. All dates are indicative at this early stage.

Site Selection Process

We are currently undertaking a site selection and options assessment. This assessment is used to ensure the reinforcement of Fort Augustus Substation meets network requirements in the most effective and efficient way, whilst minimising any potential impact on natural and cultural heritage resources or features, and causes the least disturbance to those living, working or visiting the area. Initial high level options considered developing the reinforcement at a different location to the existing Fort Augustus substation however, the options did not satisfy the economic considerations or least impact criteria. In addition, through early consultation with the key statutory consultees a strong preference was indicated for reinforcing the existing Fort Augustus substation rather than creating an additional substation. A new substation would also require a new overhead line connection to Fort Augustus and the Beauly to Denny overhead line.

On review of the available information on this development area, we have identified four main considerations, these are:

• Noise;

• Flood Risk;

• Landscape and Visual; and

• Traffic and Transport.

We will progress the development of this project taking account of these key considerations.

Consultation Questions

We understand and recognise the value of feedback provided by members of the public during all engagements and consultations. Without this valuable feedback, the project development team would be unable to progress projects and reach a balanced proposal.

We are keen to receive your views and comments in regards to the following questions:

• Have we been clear in providing the reason for developing a reinforcement of Fort Augustus Substation?

• Are there any factors, or environmental features that you consider important and should be brought to the attention of the project team?

• Do you have any additional comments about the initial proposals?

• What are your views on the proposed reinforcement options?

The above image identifies our search area for the proposed development

Key

Existing Fort Augustus Substation

Existing 400kV Overhead Line

Existing 132kV Overhead Line

Substation Redevelopment Search Area

Proposed 132kV Overhead Line

FORT AUGUTSUS

AUCHTERAWE

A82

Proposed Fort Augustus to Skye-TeeReinforcement Wood Pole

Overhead Line

Beauly to Denny 400kV Replacement Overhead

Transmission Line

Beauly to Denny 400kVReplacement Overhead Line

Fort Augustus Substation

Existing 132kV Connection to the West

Existing 132kV Connection to the North

We have undertaken initial assessments and identified key environmental constraints located in the development Search Area, detailed below:

Environmental Considerations

Key

Core Paths

Other promoted walking routes

Site Included on the Inventory of Ancient Woodland (AWI)


100 m Buffer from Built Properties

Auchterawe Minor Public Road

Scheduled Monument (SM)

Substation Reinforcement Search Area

Existing Overhead Lines

Location of Built Property

Watercourse

Optimum 50 m Buffer from Watercourses

Suggested Minimum 20 m Buffer from Watercourses

Indicative Contour (10 m Spacing)


Woodland and forest forming Important Visual and Landscape Buffers

Peatland

Other Forestry within the Search Area

_0.1

_2

_0.1

_2

Flood Depth (m) for 200 Year Flood Event


Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems

Key

Core Paths

Other promoted walking routes

Site Included on the Inventory of Ancient Woodland (AWI)



Auchterawe Minor Public Road

Scheduled Monument (SM)


Existing Overhead Lines

Location of Built Property

Watercourse

Optimum 50 m Buffer from Watercourses

Suggested Minimum 20 m Buffer from Watercourses



Woodland and forest forming Important Visual and Landscape Buffers

Peatland

Other Forestry within the Search Area

_0.1

_2

_0.1

_2



Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems

Environmental Considerations

Environmental Designations

The Search Area is not located within or in close proximity to any designated areas.

Cultural heritage

• There are no recorded cultural heritage sites within the Search Area. The nearest scheduled site is the Caledonian Canal, 1km to the south-east.

Land Use

• Forestry block (to the south-west of the Search Area) is of poor quality with many fallen and broken trees; however, it does provide a visual barrier between the existing substation and the residents in Auchterawe.

• Forestry block (to the south-east of the existing substation) is of better quality and comprises a section of a larger forest block, extending outside the Search Area.

• Mixed woodland is located in the north-western boundary of the Search Area, and is used for amenity purposes rather than being of productive value and provides a buffer between the substation and the road.

Landscape

• The Search Area is dominated by existing substation related infrastructure, including towers and overhead lines which cross the landscape. The influence of this infrastructure on the surrounding landscape is less pronounced due to the forestry and woodland that enclose much of the substation. If further development is located in close proximity to the existing substation, this should limit the potential for additional influence on the wider landscape.

Noise

• A noise assessment will be undertaken as part of the development process. The information will be used in conjunction with existing noise assessment data to ensure noise levels are not increased.

Recreation

• There are no notable recreational uses within the Search Area. Tracks are used for walking and cycling in the wider vicinity including the Great Glen Way and Core Paths. Users of these paths could potentially obtain increased views of development, but this is not considered a significant constraint.

Watercourses

• The Allt na Fearna watercourse runs in a south-easterly direction through the north-eastern part of the Search Area, at around 200m from the existing substation.

• A tributary of the Auchterawe Burn follows a heavily modified route between embankments in a north-south direction to the east of the existing substation.

• A preferred 50m buffer is recommended for any works from these watercourses.

Terrestrial Ecology

• Minor constraints in the Search Area include the presence of peatland, which is a small fragment of blanket mire already modified by the effects of drainage, forestry or disturbance.

• Moderate Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem (GWDTE) is potentially present in areas of grassland in rides between conifer plantation to the south and west of the substation

Ornithology

• To date, no bird species requiring special protection have been identified in the Search Area.

Substation Design

During the early design stages, the project development team considered two main technology options: • A substation comprising Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS),

where the live electrical equipment uses air as the insulating medium. The AIS option results in a larger footprint due to the clearance distances required between electrical equipment.

• A substation comprising Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), where the live electrical equipment uses Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas as the insulating medium. Live electrical equipment is enclosed in a building, rather than exposed, and the use of the gas reduces the clearance distances required between electrical equipment. The GIS option results in a smaller footprint for a GIS compared to an AIS.

On review, we favour the use of GIS infrastructure, due to limited footprint available.

Reinforcement Options

Following a detailed study in regards to the network generation background, and the effects on the system performance, we will be required to approach this reinforcement in two distinct phases. The first will see development of the 400kV and 132kV systems and the second will develop further 400kV and 275kV systems. If the generation background changes significantly, this may affect the delivery timescales for phase two.

Following identification of the preferred Search Area for the reinforcement, we have considered and designed a number of options which could satisfy the project.

Four options have been approved following an engineering assessment and will be taken forward for further environmental appraisal.

The development team will look to minimise potential landscape and visual effects and work in conjunction with landscaping proposals currently being investigated with members of the Auchterawe Community.

AIS substation layout

GIS substation layout

The examples provide a size comparison between AIS and GIS substation footprints

Reinforcement Option A

This option involves splitting the required equipment between the north-east and south-west of the existing substation.

OPTION A

ORIGINAL SUBSTATION

RECENTLY CONSTRUCTED

SUBSTATION (2014)

SUBSTATION CURRENTLY UNDER

CONSTRUCTION

132k

V

400kV

275kV

Key

Gantry or Cable Sealing End Structure

400 kV / 132kV overhead intrastructure


275 kV overhead infrastructure

Reactor

275 kV GIS Building

400 kV / 132kV GIS Building

132kV buried cable

275 / 400 kV transformer


275 kV buried cable


Existing Overhead Transmission Lines

Phase 1 (400/132kV)

Phase 2 (400/275kV)

Existing Substation

Key considerations of option:

• No tower works required

• Location of 132kV building is more suitable for the new connections

• Most economical solution due to shorter interconnections and no requirement to change towers

• Lends its self to the two phased approach

• Closer to residential properties

• Partial removal of tree screening to west of sight

Reinforcement Option B

This option involves locating all of the equipment to the north-east of the existing substation. This option also involves the removal of one terminal tower from the Beauly – Denny overhead line located on the south-eastern side of the existing substation and the conversion of the next tower on the line to a terminal tower. The new infrastructure would connect to the existing infrastructure around the south-east boundary of the existing compound.

ORIGINAL SUBSTATION


SUBSTATION (2014)


CONSTRUCTION

132k

V

400kV

275kV

OPTION B

Key


400 kV / 132kV overhead infrastructure



275 kV GIS Building





Reactor


Phase 1 (400/132kV)

Phase 2 (400/275kV)

Existing Substation

132 kV buried cable

New Terminal Tower


• New terminal tower required

• Electrical outage challenges

• Encroaches on flood plain

• Construction Phasing works would be challenging and costly

• Located away from residential properties

Reinforcement Option C

This option shares the same layout as Option B for all the major infrastructural components. The only difference would be the replacement of 275kV overhead line infrastructure with a buried cable, which would be routed around the south-west and south-eastern boundaries of the existing substation.

ORIGINAL SUBSTATION


SUBSTATION (2014)


CONSTRUCTION

132k

V

400kV

275kV

OPTION C

Key





Reactor

275 kV GIS Building




132 kV buried cable



Phase 1 (400/132kV)

Phase 2 (400/275kV)

Existing Substation

New Terminal Tower


275 kV buried cable


• New terminal tower required

• Electrical outage challenges

• Encroaches on flood plain


• Located away from residential properties

Reinforcement Option D

This option involves locating all of the equipment to the south-east of the existing substation. This layout also involves the removal of one terminal tower of the Beauly-Denny line to the south of the existing substation compound and the conversion of the next tower on the line to a terminal tower.

OPTION D

ORIGINAL SUBSTATION


SUBSTATION (2014)


CONSTRUCTION

132kV

400kV

275kV

Key





Reactor

275 kV GIS Building


400 kV / 132kV buried cable



275 kV buried cable



Phase 1 (400/132kV)

Phase 2 (400/275kV)

Existing Substation

New Terminal Tower


• Significant overhead tower works required

• Significant electrical outage challenges

• All of development lies in the flood plain

• Located furthest away from residential properties


• More difficult to connect future 132kV circuits

• Most costly solution

• Further tree felling required

Thank you for taking the time to find out about our initial proposals for the reinforcement of Fort Augustus Substation.

We appreciate all feedback and thank you for taking the time to provide your comments. You can complete a feedback form today, or you can post it back to us at the address provided.

Information can also be provided by our Community Liaison Manager upon request. Feedback submitted to us this point will be used to further develop the project ahead of a planning application being submitted to The Highland Council.

CommentsComments can be submitted as follows:

At the exhibition today:

Complete a Comment Form and give it to a member of the team.

By post:

Complete a Comments Form and post it to our Liaison Manager (details opposite).

By email:

Complete a Comments Form and email it to our Liaison Manager (details opposite).

Information can also be posted out to you by our Liaison Manager upon request.

Please provide any comments to us by 11 November 2016

Get in touch with our Community Liaison Manager:

Neil Anderson

[email protected]

07500 912 506

Neil Anderson, SHE Transmission Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ

InformationInformation will also be made available via the project webpage and social media channels:

Project website: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook: @ssencommunity

Follow us on Twitter: @ssencommunity

What happens now and how do I have my say?

Q1 Has the requirement for the project been clearly explained?

Yes No Unsure

Q2 Are there any additional factors, or environmental features, that you consider

important and should be brought to the attention of the project team?

Comments

Q3 Do you have any comments on the proposed options for reinforcement?

Comments

Thank you for taking the time to attend this consultation event. In order to record your views and improve the

eff ectiveness of our consultation, please complete this short feedback form.

Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS. (Please tick one box per question only)

Fort Augustus Substation reinforcement project

Your Comments

Thank you for taking the time to complete this feedback form.Please hand your completed form in at the event or alternatively by one of the methods below:Post: Neil Anderson, SHE Transmission plc, Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 3AQEmail: [email protected]

Closing date for feedback is 11 NovemberThe feedback form and all information provided at the event can also be downloaded fromthe dedicated website: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk

Any information given on the feedback form can be used and published anonymously as part of SHE Transmission’s consultation report. By completing this feedback form you consent to SHE Transmission using feedback for this purpose.

Please use the space below to provide further comments or information.

Full name

Postcode

Telephone

Email

If you would like to be kept informed of progress on the project please tick this box. If you would like your comments to remain anonymous please tick this box.

Address

Q4 Which of the four options do you have a preference for? A B C D

Q5 How would you describe your reaction to the Fort Augustus Substation reinforcement project? Support Neither support or object Object

Q1 Has the requirement for the project been clearly explained?

Yes No Unsure

Q2 Are there any additional factors, or environmental features, that you consider important and should be brought to the attention of the project team?

Comments

Q3 Do you have any comments on the proposed options for reinforcement?

Comments

Thank you for taking the time to attend this consultation event. In order to record your views and improve the eff ectiveness of our consultation, please complete this short feedback form.

Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS. (Please tick one box per question only)

Fort Augustus Substation reinforcement project

Your Comments

Thank you for taking the time to complete this feedback form.Please hand your completed form in at the event or alternatively by one of the methods below:Post: Neil Anderson, SHE Transmission plc, Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 3AQEmail: [email protected]

Closing date for feedback is 11 NovemberThe feedback form and all information provided at the event can also be downloaded fromthe dedicated website: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk

Any information given on the feedback form can be used and published anonymously as part of SHE Transmission’s consultation report. By completing this feedback form you consent to SHE Transmission using feedback for this purpose.

Please use the space below to provide further comments or information.

Full name

Postcode

Telephone

Email

If you would like to be kept informed of progress on the project please tick this box.

If you would like your comments to remain anonymous please tick this box.

Address

Q4 Which of the four options do you have a preference for?

A B C D

Q5 How would you describe your reaction to the Fort Augustus Substation reinforcement project?

Support Neither support or object Object

Fort Augustus Substation

Documents

Transcript of Fort Augustus Substation