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Scotland has huge renewable power potential and
SP Energy Networks part of the ScottishPower Group is committed to playing
its part by making major improvements to our existing network as well as
building new lines and substations to cope with this increase in demand.
One such project, which has received the Scottish Government’s approval, is an essential infrastructure upgrade to the high voltage transmission line between Beauly, near Inverness and Denny, near Falkirk. The project involves replacing the existing 132kV overhead transmission line with a 400kV transmission line. In January 2010 the Scottish Government gave consent for the essential infrastructure upgrade to the high voltage transmission line.
SP Energy Networks has been granted planning permission to upgrade the 21km section of the 220km line that lies within the company’s network extending from the north of Stirlingshire to Denny near Falkirk. The approval follows a lengthy planning process that started in 2005 and a Public Inquiry that began in 2007 and gives the green light to one of the biggest construction projects to take place in the UK in recent years. The construction programme for the project should take 3-4 years.
From the early development of our works we engage in environmental and technical consultations with a wide variety of stakeholders and once consent has been granted we continue our liaison keeping affected parties informed throughout our activities.
“The Beauly to Denny power line upgrade is essential to help Scotland achieve its renewable energy potential. All aspects of the proposal have been thoroughly scrutinised over the last three years and we are pleased that the Scottish Government has approved the upgrade.”
Frank Mitchell, Director SP Energy Networks.
The next step is for us to show how we intend to comply with the consents conditions, this will involve a consultation process with the Scottish Government, Stirling and Falkirk Councils, the Environmental Liaison Group, the Tourism, Cultural Heritage and Community Liaison Group and Landowners to identify, discuss and develop the requirements.
It is anticipated that the initial pre-construction activities (public road improvements and reconfiguring the existing Distribution and Transmission networks) will commence in 2012, with work on the new tower line also commencing in 2012.
We aim to provide good communications for the Beauly – Denny project by establishing and maintaining strong relationships with the local community. Particularly, by ensuring everyone affected by the project is aware of what’s happening in their areas in advance of any work being carried out, Community support will be vital in ensuring the project runs smoothly and to the timescales proposed.
Project Enquiries: beauly-dennyprojectmanager@scottishpower.com
Media enquiries: ScottishPower Press Office - 0141 566 4515
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