SSEN Transmission to showcase 26km of planned power lines in Strathglass and Glenmoriston at Highland drop-in events
Twenty-six kilometres of proposed new power lines connecting planned substation and windfarm projects are set to be highlighted at public consultation events in Highland communities later this month.
SSEN Transmission is currently pursuing plans for a new transmission connection between the Fasnakyle Power Station and proposed Bingally substation in Strathglass.
And it is also proposing alignment options for the Tomchrasky Wind Farm Connection project, which would link that site’s substation in Glenmoriston to the Bingally substation.
Both proposals will be showcased at community drop in events on Monday and Tuesday, August 25 and 26.
The plans will be on show at Cannich Hall on Monday, August 25 from 3.30pm to 7pm, with an additional event taking place the following day in The Hub in Dalchreichart from 4pm to 7pm.
The planned Fasnakyle to Bingally project would involve the creation of a new 132kV connection running around 10km in length. If approved it would use the existing towers from the Fasnakyle substation as well as new towers and some underground cabling between both substations.
The Tomchrasky Wind Farm Connection, meanwhile, would run from the site of that wind farm to the new Bingally substation. Those proposals include plans for a single circuit 132kV steel trident pole arrangement to support the overhead line running approximately 16km in length.
The drop-in events will give people a chance to learn more about the projects, view alignment options for the connections and share any initial feedback on the proposals. Members of the project teams will also be on hand to answer any questions and take on board any feedback about the plans.
These events follow on from an earlier round of public consultation events for the Fasnakyle and and Tomchrasky projects which took place in March and November respectively.
Rebecca Simister, SSEN Transmission Senior Project Manager, commented: “We’re committed to engaging meaningfully with the local community, ensuring their perspectives are not only heard but actively considered throughout our planning and decision making for both of these projects.
“These consultations mark a key milestone in the wider ambitions to create a resilient and future-ready energy network in the north of Scotland. By linking the proposed Bingally substation to the existing transmission system as well as preparing a connection for the proposed Tomchrasky Wind Farm, we’re supporting national goals for energy security and a cleaner, greener power supply.
“We encourage anyone interested in these projects to come along to our events, meet our team, learn more, and share your thoughts.”
Attendees will have the chance to view project materials, ask questions, and submit feedback during the events. For those unable to attend in person, additional information and opportunities to provide input will be available online at:
Fasnakyle to Bingally 132kV Connection: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/fasnakyle-to-bingally-132kv-connection/?panel=panel-2.
Tomchrasky Wind Farm Connection: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/tomchrasky-wind-farm-connection/
The deadline for public feedback for the Fasnakyle to Bingally connection is Monday, October 6, with Tuesday, October 7 the last date for feedback on the Tomchrasky Wind Farm Connection. All stakeholders are invited to share their views, and everyone is encouraged to contribute their opinions to shape the future of the local energy network.
The Fasnakyle to Bingally 132kV connection is part of the wider Bingally 400kV substation plans, which is one of a series of major onshore and offshore projects that SSEN Transmission is taking forward as part of a £20bn upgrade of the transmission network across the north of Scotland.
Known as the Pathway to 2030 programme, SSEN Transmission claims it will create and support thousands of jobs in the region, both at SSEN Transmission and through the wider supply chain. It also claims it will deliver an anticipated £100m in community benefit funding for communities located close to new transmission infrastructure.
Learn more about the Fasnakyle-Bingally line here and the Tomchrasky connection line here: