Power super-highway completed to support Scottish renewables

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) and SP Energy Networks have jointly completed the Beauly-Denny power super-highway connecting the north-south spine of Scotland’s electricity transmission system and enabling increased renewable capacity on the network.

The completed 220km line has been successfully energised and is now operating at up to 400kV, although further work is needed to remove the final sections of original line and reinstate access tracks.

SP Energy Networks said this upgrade work, along with simultaneous renewal of wires on the main existing overhead line between the Highlands and Aberdeenshire has enabled the connection of 80 additional wind, hydro and solar generation developments in the north of Scotland.

These renewable developments are expected to have a combined installed capacity of over 1,460MW by the end of 2015.

SHE Transmission said completing the transmission line is an “extraordinary achievement” although it also recognises that the project has often “divided opinion”.

It has taken seven years to replace 220km of cable running crossing the highest and most inaccessible terrain on the Great Britain transmission system, reaching 2,526ft at its highest point as it runs through the summit of Corrievairack Pass.

The entire length of the new line is now supported by 615 steel towers which have replaced 800 pre-existing 132kV towers built in the early 1950s. SP Energy Networks said the project has been completed on time and on budget.

SHE Transmission director of transmission Dave Gardner said: “Now energised in its entirety, the line provides a fully functioning power super-highway between the Highlands and the central belt. It is unlocking Scotland’s renewable resources, supporting economic growth in the Highlands and helping to meet the energy challenge facing the country as a whole.

“Once all work is complete in 2016, we hope the new line will become as familiar a part of the landscape as its predecessor was – and, most importantly, will play its part in keeping the lights on all over the country for many decades to come.”

SP Energy Networks transmission director Pearse Murray said: “This is one of the most important upgrades to Scotland’s electricity infrastructure in over half a century.

“A team of more than 2,000 people have come together to successfully deliver this project. Beauly to Denny will support Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy targets, and will serve the entire country for at least the next 60 years.”