Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) consultation event at Lochardil House Hotel in Inverness is a popular draw for the public – it was over proposed underground cable connection between a major hydro electricity scheme at Dores on Loch Ness and the Knocknagael substation
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Organisers were surprised with the turnout at a public consultation event in Inverness.
It was arranged by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) about the proposed underground cable connection between a major hydro electricity scheme at Dores on Loch Ness and the Knocknagael substation.
The event was held from 2pm on Thursday in Lochardil House Hotel in Stratherrick Road and there were at least a dozen members of the public attending within the first 30 minutes.
The Red John pumped storage hydro connection scheme includes proposals for:
• construction of a new 275kV indoor gas insulated substation switching station at the hydro scheme;
• installation of 9km of 275kV underground cabling between Red John PSH Scheme and Knocknagael substation;
• an extension to the existing Knocknagael substation platform to allow for the extension of the existing air insulated substation double busbar to connect the new circuits from the Red John switching station.
The £550 million pumped storage hydro scheme was given the green light by the Scottish Government in June last year.
Mike Cormack, a retired lecturer from Gorthleck near Stratherrick, said his main concern was the disruption during the construction but, as a member of the Green Party, he supported green energy.
He said: “At the end of the day there’s no alternative – it’s as simple as that.”
His wife Margaret Cormack, who is also a member of the Green Party, added: “Green energy goes on forever – the wind blows and the water flows.”
Simon Allen, from Flichity near Farr, said he was concerned there would be traffic issues along the single track B851 during the construction period. He said: “They were unable to give us an answer. It is early days and that is the problem.”
However he said that would be a short term problem and he was also in favour of the scheme. He added: “I think it’s a good idea and we are in favour of the principle of green energy. Pump storage is an excellent way of producing electricity.”
A SSEN Transmission spokeswoman said: “The Red John connection scheme is required to facilitate the connection of the planned Red John Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme at Dores to the electricity transmission network, allowing the transportation of low carbon electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed, helping to facilitate a transition to net-zero emissions.
“As a stakeholder-led business we’re committed to working with the local communities in which we operate, and Thursday’s public consultation in Inverness was a great opportunity to connect with community members as well as local community council representatives to answer any questions on our initial cable route and substation extension options for the project. The event was really well attended by a broad range of stakeholders and initial feedback has been positive.
“The project is still in the early stages of development, with teams now preparing to begin more detailed environmental and engineering site assessments for the project over the next few months. After this concludes, we’ll review the results of the assessments along with all comments and feedback on the initial cable route and substation extension options, before teams then identify and consult on a preferred alignment and substation option for the project in late summer this year.
“We’ll continue to keep all key stakeholders and the local community updated as the project progresses, and we welcome all comments on our initial proposals.”
• The consultation on the initial cable route and substation extension options is open until Friday, May 27, and feedback can be submitted at the SSEN website.
