The original transmission network in Argyll and Bute was constructed over 60 years ago and designed to transmit electricity to consumers in rural areas of low-density population. As the UK strives for Net Zero (achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out), SSEN Transmission has seen a significant increase in generator connection applications in Argyll and Kintyre in the last 18 months, predominantly in renewable generation.
In terms of this renewable generation (i.e. windfarms), there are infrastructure requirements needed to connect generators to our Transmission network. This means we need to increase our network capability in Argyll and Kintyre, beyond that already under current construction and public development, to enable the connection of further renewable generation and to export to the wider GB network.
We have called this group of works designed to deliver the required increase in network capacity our ‘Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy’.
Scope of Works
Our Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy consists of three projects which are at various stages of consenting and public consultation process:
• Creag Dhubh Dalmally 275kV Connection
This project involves establishing a new substation at Creag Dhubh and new switching station at Glen Lochy, connected by approximately 14km of new overhead line.
• Creag Dhubh Inveraray 275kV Overhead Line
This project proposes 8-12 km of new 275kV overhead line constructed between the proposed new substation at Creag Dhubh, and a connection point on the Inveraray to Crossaig overhead line. It will initially be operated at 132kV, but will be capable of 275kV operation, once associated transmission network connected substations to the south have been upgraded to 275kV capability. The existing 132kV overhead line between Inveraray and the proposed new Creag Dhubh substation will be removed.
• Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Substations
To complete the Argyll and Kintyre 275kV Strategy, existing connected substations south of Inveraray require upgrade to 275kV capability, as a result we are progressing with a new project which would involve construction and operation of new 275kV electricity substations in the vicinity of the existing An Suidhe, Crarae and Crossaig Substations, and in the vicinity of Craig Murrail, north of Lochgilphead.
Portal Navigation
The information below is intended to assist with navigating the 3D Portal, however there is an Interactive Portal User Guide, which you can access by clicking here
The Map
In order to view the visualisations and navigate the portal, please start by clicking on any of the cameras on the adjacent map. They are situated next to their relevant viewpoints to allow access to areas of interest.
Should you prefer to view the map in satellite, this can be done by clicking the ‘Satellite’ tab at the top right hand corner of the map.
Once you have clicked on a viewpoint, if you want to return to the full map at any point, please click on the project map icon situated down the left-hand side of the map – it is a location pin icon on top of a grid.
If you are viewing a video and would like to return to the overview map, the project map icon is situated at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
Visualisations
Once you click on a visualisation, you will be presented with either a video (video camera icon) or a 360 view (regular camera icon). The 360 view will have different options in the top middle, where you can toggle between different design options.
