orkney infrastructure project€¢ construction and installation of 132kv substation switchgear at...

OrkneyInfrastructure ProjectPublic ConsultationApril/May 2018

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Notes

www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney

Orkney Infrastructure Project Public Consultation April/May 2018

Who we are

In total we maintain about 5,000km of overhead lines andunderground cables – easily enough to stretch across the Atlantic from John O’Groats all the way to Boston in the USA.

Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challengingterrain – including circuits that are buried under the seabed, are located over 750m above sea level and up to 250km long.

The landscape and environment that contribute to thechallenges we face also give the area a rich resource for renewable energy generation. There is a high demand to connect from new wind, hydro and marine generators which rely on Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is delivering a major programme of investment to ensure that the networkis ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future.

Our responsibilities

We have a licence for the transmission of electricity in the north of Scotland and we are closely regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem.

Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintainan efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.

What is the difference betweenTransmission and Distribution?

Electricity Transmission is the transportation of electricity from generating plants to where it is required at centres of demand.

The Electricity Transmission network, or grid, transports electricity at very high voltages through overhead lines, underground cables and subsea cables. The transmission network connects large scale generation, primarily renewables, to central and southern Scotland and the rest of Great Britain. It also helps secure supply by providing reliable connection to the wider network of generation plans.

The Electricity Distribution network is connected into the Transmission network but the voltage is lowered by transformers at electricity substations, and the power is then distributed to homes and businesses through overhead lines or underground cables.

Overview of Transmission projects

We are Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, operating under license as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc (SHE Transmission) for the transmission of electricity in the north of Scotland.

03Orkney Infrastructure Project Public Consultation April/May 2018


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Existing network in Orkney



There is currently no transmission infrastructure on the Orkney Islands. The electricity network on Orkney is connected via two distribution subsea cables between Rackwick Bay on Hoy, and Murkle Bay near Thurso.

These cables were installed in 1982 and 1998 with a total import/export capacity of 40MW. Demand on the islands varies between 7MW in summer and 46MW in winter. The current connected embedded generation in Orkney exceeds the capacity of the existing 33kV cables and no further generation can connect to the system at this time.

Why reinforcement is required

At present, the current level of contracted generation between National Grid (the System Operator) and developers is for a minimum of 220MW of newgeneration by 2022.

To connect this level of generation, a transmission connectionis needed between Orkney and the Scottish mainland.

An alternative and innovative approach

The current regulatory framework requires capacity to be allocated in chronological order based on respective developers contracted position.

To proceed with a transmission connection first requires regulatory approval from Ofgem, which in turn requires those contracted developers to demonstrate commitment to their projects. Due to a number of factors over recent years, such as changes in government policy or the readiness of renewable energy projects across Orkney to progress, it has not been possible to proceed withthe transmission connection proposal to date.

To try and overcome this impasse and help Orkney realise its vast renewables potential, we are considering an Alternative Approach to allocate the necessary volume of capacity that is required to underpin the case for the proposed 220MW connection.

This approach would see capacity allocated on a ready to connect basis, whereby those developers who are ready to commit to their projects would be allocated capacity. This innovative approach, the first of its kind in GB, would first require approval from the energy regulator, Ofgem. An initial consultation on the principles of the proposed alternative approach took place in February and March 2018, with a follow up consultation planned for the summer.

Our proposed solution



To facilitate the connection of new renewable generation across Orkney will require the construction of new transmission infrastructure. To provide the most efficient and economical solution for the network we are proposing to connect renewable generators to a central point within the Orkney mainland at our proposed main substation location at Finstown. This will maximise the opportunity for generators across Orkney to connect to the transmission network.

The System Operator has accepted several transmission owner construction offers, to connect various renewable generation developments. To unlock the renewable potential inherent in the Orkney Islands, this infrastructure project would need to be undertaken.

The aim of the project is to design, construct and install 132kV Transmission infrastructure which will enable access to the electricity network for new generation.

The main components of the project are:

• Constructionandinstallationof132kVtrident wood pole overhead lines and 132kV cables;• Installationof132kVsubseacables;• Constructionandinstallationof132kVsubstation switchgear at each developer’s substation and Finstown substation; and • 2SwitchingStations.

AtapreviousPublicConsultationinFebruary2017,SSENpresented initial proposals for potential routes from Orkney to the Scottish mainland and connections within Orkney. FollowingthatConsultationSSENreviewedthefeedbackprovided and began working on potential routes to connect the new generation on Orkney. The routes being considered are to connect the 132kV infrastructure at the generation developments to Finstown substation. The process for selecting a preferred route is based on identifying as direct a route as possible ensuring it is technically feasible and economic whilst minimizing impacts on the environment.

ThepurposeofthisConsultationistopresentourproposalfor preferred routes from the contracted generation sites to Finstown substation. We welcome the opportunity to listen to your views on all the route options presented as this will aid in the next stage of design.

AsecondConsultationwilltakeplaceinlatesummer2018, our design will be further refined and we will confirm the type of infrastructure to be installed based on further technical and environmental analysis and the feedback considered through this consultation. Following the Consultationinlatesummerwewillbegintoprepare our consent applications to the Scottish Government, OrkneyIslandCouncilandMarineScotlandasrequired.

Orkney Infrastructure Project

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Orkney to Mainland Scotland Transmission Connection

In order to provide a transmission connection that will facilitate the connection of renewable generation, a marine cable linking Mainland Orkney and Mainland Scotland will be required. The new link would provide an additional 220MW of capacity.

The main elements of this projects are as follows:

• A new substation at Finstown;

• An underground cable linking Finstown substation to a cable landing site west of Stromness;

• AmarinecablelinkingMainlandOrkneyandCaithness;

• A new cable route between the Dounreay marine cable landing point and the new substation at Dounreay; and

•ConstructionofanewsubstationatDounreay.

Public Consultation took place in November 2017 regarding the above elements, further consultation will take place in Summer 2018.

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The Routeing Process

SHE Transmission’s approach to identifying where a new overhead power line is to be located follows the four stages illustrated below. This project is currently at Stage 3 - Route Selection.



Each stage in the process is iterative, increasing in detail and resolution to find the best balance of economic, technical and environmental considerations. This staged process leads to the eventual identification of a proposed alignment to be taken to consent application stage.

The objective of Stage 3 is to identify a ‘preferred route’ within the preferred corridor for further appraisal and consultation. Routes are typically between 500 m to 1 km wide, although they may be narrower / wider in specific locations in response to certain constraints.

During Stage 3 the engineering, land and environmental teams systematically evaluate a variety of route options. The preferred route is the option considered to present the best opportunity to achieve an economically viable, technically feasible and environmentally acceptable alignment for consent application.

Stage 1Routeing Strategy

Corridor Selection

Route Selection

Alignment Selection

Consent Application

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Approx Width

2 km

1 km

20 m

Costa Head Wind Farm

Westray South Tidal

Hesta Head Wind Farm

Brims Tidal

SOURCE: See Map Frame; Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. Crown copyright and database right [2016] all rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number EL273236; © Natural England copyright.

0 1 2 3 4 5

Kilometres

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0 1 2 3 4 5

Kilometres

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HoySAC / SPA / SSSI

Orphir andStenness Hills SSSI

Orkney Mainland Moors SPA

Keelylang Hill andSwartaback Burn SSSI

Waulkmill SSSI

Lochs of Harray and Stenness SSSI

West MainlandMoors SSSI

Glims Moss andDurka Dale SSSI

EynhallowSSSI

SwithaSPA / SSSI

Ward HillCliffs SSSI

Loch of Stenness SAC


FinstownSubstation


ROUTE EC

ROUTE FE

ROUTE ER

ROUTE FS

ROUTE SH

ROUTE RM

RO

UTE H

S

ROUTE SSROUTE HR

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Route Selection

Identifying KeyEnvironmental AspectsKey environmental aspects are identified through a mixture of desktop assessment and site surveys. Work undertaken to date on the route options has included detailed mapping of all potential corridors and routes and identification of environmental aspects which could constrain the proposed development both physically and in terms of gaining consent. In addition, a suite of environmental surveys has been undertaken to provide additional baseline information, these covered:

• Landscapeandvisualwalkoversurveybylandscape architects;• Culturalheritagewalkoversurveybyarchaeologists;• Birdsurveysincludingforwildfowl,raptors,breeding birds and wintering birds; • Habitatsurvey;• Ottersurvey;and• Peatsurvey.

The key environmental aspects that have informed the land routeing process include:

• Viewsfromresidentialproperties;• SpecialProtectedAreas(SPA),forbirds;• SpecialAreasofConservation(SAC),forhabitat;• SitesofSpecialScientificInterest(SSSI);• LocalNatureConservationSites;• NationalScenicAreas;• WorldHeritageSites;• ScheduledMonuments;• ListedBuildings;and• Peat

Herearethekeyenvironmentalaspectsrelatingtoeachsection of the proposed routes:



The selection of potential routes brings together work by three main disciplines:

• EngineeringTeam-whoidentifyengineeringconstraintsand where overhead lines and cables can be installed from a construction and operational perspective;

• EnvironmentalTeam–whoidentifykeyconstraints(aspects)along the routes which the new infrastructure could impact upon; and

• LandTeam-whoengagewithlandownersto identify key land use constraints.

Considerations in identifying a route - North Section

Finstown to Ellibister: Views from residential properties includingthoseatSettiscarthandHarray.PassesoverSPAandSSSIandanRSPBreserve.Largenumbersofbirdflightshave been recorded along sections of the route including red throated diver, hen harrier and short eared owl. Sensitive habitats including wet and dry heaths and fens. Views from scheduled monuments including the Knowes of Trotty. Setting of the world heritage sites.

Ellibister to Rendall: Views from residential property around Tingwall and along the route. Setting of scheduled monuments including Tingwall broch. Sensitive habitats including wet heath.

Ellibister to Costa Head: Views from residential properties evenly distributed along the A966. SPA and SSSI to the west.Largenumbersofbirdflightshavebeenrecordedalong sections of the route including red throated diver, great black-backed gull and great skua. Sensitive habitats including wet and dry heaths, fens and blanket bog. Setting of scheduled monuments.

Considerations in identifying a route - South Section

Finstown to St Mary’s (FS): Views from residential properties particularlyaroundHeddle,Scapa,propertiesalongtheA961and east of St Mary’s. SPA and SSSI to the south. Setting of the world heritage site and scheduled monuments.

St Mary’s to South Ronaldsay (SS): Views from residential properties and the presence of an overhead line in the wider landscape on Burray and South Ronaldsay. Bird species associated with the proposed Scapa Flow SPA including great northern, red and black throated diver.

Hesta Head to South Ronaldsay (HS): Views from residential properties and the A961. Sensitive habitats including wet heath and marsh.

South Ronaldsay to Hoxa Head (SH): Views from residential propertiesincludingthosearoundStMargaret’sHope.SensitiveareasincludingLocalNatureConservationSites.

Rinnigill to Melsetter (RM):ViewsfromMelsetterHouseand other residential properties along the B9047. Setting of listed buildings and the garden and designed landscape at MelsetterHouse.PassesthroughtheedgeofSPA,SACandSSSIandlargenumbersofbirdflightsincludinggreatskuahave been recorded. Sensitive habitats including wet and dry heaths, fens and blanket bog.

Flotta (F): Views from residential properties and potential for direct and setting impacts on scheduled monuments.

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The Preferred Routes - North Section



The maps presented show the route option we have considered within the scope of SHE Transmission’s currently contracted connection agreements, based on the environmental and engineering assessments carried out. We believe this route, represents the best balance between economic, technical efficiency, constructability and environmental impact. Key considerations are presented below.

Finstown to Ellibister (FE)The preferred route is selected to avoid the steeply sloping area to the north of Finstown as it is more difficult to construct a power line on this terrain. The preferred route is also less visible from Finstown. Challengesofthepreferredrouteincludepassing through an SPA and SSSI, and potential setting impacts on the World HeritageSiteandtheKnowesofTrottyScheduled Monument.

Ellibister to Rendall (ER)The preferred route is selected as the most direct route between the potential Westray South substation and the Ellibister switching station.

Ellibister to Costa Head (EC)The preferred route is selected to avoid direct impacts on designated sites including SPA and SSSI and a RSPB reserve. It is west of most residential properties and reduces the potential for visual impacts on views east from residential properties to the coast.

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The Preferred Routes - South Section

Finstown to St Mary’s (FS)The preferred route is selected as the most direct option and offers a potential alignment avoiding SSSI and SPA and RSPB reserves. Behind St Mary’s the route stays higher on the hill to reduce visibility from residential properties in views south towards the coast.

St Mary’s to South Ronaldsay (SS)The preferred option is a subsea cable between the Mainland and Burray with an overhead line connecting to a switching station on South Ronaldsay. A subsea cable route to the east between the Mainland and Newark Bay is not preferred as this would have to pass over an oil pipeline and communications cables.

Hesta Head to South Ronaldsay (HS)The preferred route is selected as the most direct option between the proposed HestaHeadwindfarmandaswitchingstation to be located on South Ronaldsay. No alternative was identified.

South Ronaldsay to Hoxa Head (SH)The preferred route is selected as the most direct option between a switching station on South Ronaldsay and a proposedsubseacablelandfallatHoxaHead.Noalternativewasidentified.

Rinnigill to Melsetter (RM)The preferred route is selected as the most direct option between the proposed subsea cable landfall at Rinnigill and the proposed Brims tidal development. No alternative was identified.

Hoxa Head to Rinnigill (HR)The preferred route is a subsea cable connectingFlottatoRinnigillandHoxaHeadwithanoverlandrouteonFlotta.On Flotta only one route is identified between subsea cable landfalls at the east and west ends of Flotta. A subsea cable to the south of Flotta is not preferred due to areas of bedrock, strong currents and crossing of the Flotta discharge pipeline.

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MV Strill Explorer, Marine Survey Vessel

Footprint and wreckage in Scapa Flow, from one of the recovered vessels from the German Fleet.

Maerl

HVDCcablebundleductedoveraHorseMusselbed



Marine

Once potential land routes have been identified, the selection of potential subsea routes between landing points is driven by the Marine Consenting & Environment Team who carry out desktop assessments and marine surveys to identify:

• Theshapeoftheseabed;

• typesofseabedsedimentanditsdepth;

• typesofspecieslivingontheseabed;

• protectedhabitats;

• wrecksordebris;

• existingsubseainfrastructure(e.g.pipelinesandothercables);

• keymarineactivities(e.g.fishing,anchoragesandshipping).

This information is used to assess constraints and inform the preferred submarine cable routes and installation methods.

Identifying KeyEnvironmental AspectsThe key environmental aspects that have informed the cable routeing process include:

• MarineSpecialProtectedAreas(SPA);

• MaritimeScheduledAncientMonuments– War Graves and the remaining wrecks of the GermanHighSeasFleet;

• Sensitivemarinehabitats–e.g.MaerlandHorse mussel beds;

• Existinginfrastructure–oilpipelinesand communications cables; and

• Marineconditions–strongcurrentsandbedrock.

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Proposed Technology

These substations will be located in proximity to the new renewable developments and are shown on the overall plan. The equipment at these substations will all be contained within buildings which are designed to look like agricultural sheds.

The substation locations have been selected after an appraisal of a range of factors including; ecology, drainage, floodrisk,groundconditions,accessconstraints, connectivity to services,visual amenity and security. Each Renewable Generator is responsible for securing the necessary planning consents for their associated substations.

A new substation will be required at each new renewable generation development to facilitate a connection to the new132kV circuits.

Example - Ardmore Substation, Isle of Skye

Overhead Line

The proposed overhead lines will consist of double “Trident” wood pole with a steel crossarm, back stays and 3 vertical insulators. The lines will be a single circuit construction made up of three wires (conductors)inaflatformationwithanunderrunningnon-metallicwirereferredtoasanAllDielectricSelfSupportingcable(ADSS).Thiscarries fibreoptics to allow the circuits to be protected by providing communication between substations.

The new overhead line will operate at 132kV. The average height is anticipated to be 14m although depending on the lie of the land to terrain, the height may vary between 14m and 17m.



A switching station is like a substation without transformers and is required where 2 or more overhead line circuits meetandeitherallowstheflowofpowertobeswitchedbetween different circuits or allows one or more circuits to be disconnected. There are 2 proposed switching stationson the project where a “T” connection is required for a developer onto the main circuit.

One station is required near Ellibister, north of Finstown, the otheronSouthRonaldsay,tothesouthofStMargaret’sHope.

We have identified a search area for these on the maps (greencircles)withinthepreferredroutestoavoidtheneedfor additional overhead lines. A site selection process will beundertaken,onceourpreferredOHLroutehasbeenagreed, to identify the best location based on constructability, technical, cost and environmental grounds. There are a few different technical options for these stations which we are currently considering and will consult on at a later date.

Comparisondrawingofproposed132kVTridentPoleagainst scale of existing 33kV Infrastructure on Orkney

Example of existing Trident Poles, Isle of Skye

Switching Station

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Proposed Technology

Land Cables

Underground cables are referred to as land cables to distinguish from the subsea cable sections. A number of land cable options may be required at points along the route – for example at the entrance into substations, where a line passes through environmentally sensitive areas or where it passes through more built up areas.

Landcableswouldgenerallyuseanopencutmethodtoinstalland would be laid 1.2m deep to the top of cable. A construction corridor of around 50m width would be established which will bereturnedtonormaluseafterinstallation.Longercableroutes,over 1km, may employ the use of link boxes which will be in the form of buried pits with lids for maintenance access.

CableswouldterminateateitherasubstationorontoanOverheadLineterminalstructure.

Subsea Cables

These cables are typically laid on the seabed and subsequently buried in the seabed sediment. This type of cable will be used to connect the islands - between the Orkney Mainland and South Ronaldsay and from SouthRonaldsaytoHoy.Thesecablesarespeciallydesigned to withstand subsea conditions. The subsea routeing around Orkney is particularly challenging with regards to existing infrastructure and wreckage on the seabed i.e. wrecks, moorings, pipelines etc. There are also other challenges posed by strong currents and extensive bedrock.

The cable will be buried in the sea bed or, where this is not possible, surface protection will be used to ensure the safety of other sea users. When laying cables we must adhere to the following:

• Thereisapresumptionagainstsurfacelayofcables without subsequent burial – in the marine spatial plan;

• cablesmustnotposearisktootherlegitimateusers of the sea; and

• cablesshouldberoutedaroundanywrecksor protected / sensitive areas.



132kV cable trench being installed to connect Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm

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Potential Future Developments



SHEPDhaveindicatedthattheseprojectsare located in-and-around the islands of Eday,StronsayandHoy(asillustratedinthegeographicbelow).

When we have further clarity on these projects we will review and amend our proposed Orkney Infrastructure Project proposals accordingly.

Further information in this regard will be provided at our next round of consultation events in Quarter 3, 2018.

We are aware of a number of renewable projects that are seeking to connect to the distribution network owned and operated by Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc (SHEPD).

0 5 10 15 20

Kilometres

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Potential Future Renewable Development Area

Project TimelineThe key stages of the project development process, and the opportunities for interested parties to provide feedback on the project are as follows –

Q2 2018• PublicConsultationonrouting of Orkney Infrastructure Project• PublicConsultationonOrkney to Dounraey Marine link, proposed cable route and Finstown Substation.

Q3 2018• ReportonConsultation• PublicConsultationonalignment of Orkney Infrastructure Project

Q4 2018 – Q1 2019• Section 37 Planning Application for overhead line• Switching Station Planning Application• Finstown Substation planning application• Marine consent applications

Q3 2020• CommenceConstruction

2022 • Q2Commissioning• Q4 Energisation

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What happens now and how do I have my say?

Additional information

Information will also be made available via the project webpage and social media channels:

Project Website:www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney

Find us on Facebook:SSENCommunity

Follow us on Twitter:@ssencommunity

We understand and recognise the value of the feedback provided by members of the public during all engagements and consultations. Without this valuablefeedback, the project development team would be unable to progress projects and reach a balanced proposal.

We are keen to receive your views and comments in regards to the following questions:

• Hastheprojectinformationprovidedexplainedtheneed for the Orkney Infrastructure Project?

• Haveweadequatelyexplainedtheapproachtakentoselect overhead line and subsea cable as the preferred technology?

• Do you support this choice of technology?

• Haveweadequatelyexplainedtheapproachtakentoselect our preferred routes?

• Do you support the preferred routes?

• Are there any additional factors, issues or concerns which you wish to bring to the attention of the Project Team regarding our preferred routes?

• Based on your answer to the above question, what further information would you like to see?

• Following your review of the information displayed today, how would you rate your understanding of the Orkney Infrastructure Project?

• And finally, from your experience to date, can you rate the quality of the consultation undertaken on the Orkney Infrastructure Project?

Get in touch with our Community Liaison Manager: Lesley Dow

[email protected]

07876 837 490

LesleyDowScottish and Southern Electricity Networks, InveralmondHouse,200 Dunkeld Road, Perth,PH13AQ



Comments

Your views and comments can be provided to the project team bycompletingafeedbackformorbywritingtoLesleyDow,CommunityLiaisonManager.

We will be seeking feedback from members of the public and Statutory Bodies until 16:00 on 8th June 2018.

All received feedback will be assessed and the proposed options adapted where necessary.

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Thank you for taking the time to attend this consultation event. In order to record your views and improve theeffectiveness of our consultation, please complete this short feedback form.

Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS.(Pleasetickoneboxperquestiononly)

Q6 Are there any additional factors, issues or concerns which you wish to bring to the attention of the Project Team regarding our preferred routes?

Your Feedback

Q1 Has the project information provided explained the need for the Orkney Infrastructure Project?

Yes No Unsure

Q3 Do you support this choice of technology?

Yes No Unsure

Q4 Have we adequately explained the approach taken to select our preferred routes?

Yes No Unsure

Q2 Have we adequately explained the approach taken to select overhead line and subsea cable as the preferred technology?

Yes No Unsure

Q5 Do you support the preferred routes?

Yes No Unsure

Q7 Based on your answer to Q6, what further information would you like to see?



Please use the space below to provide further comments:

Full name

Postcode

Telephone

Email

If you would like to be kept informed of progress on the project please tick this box.

If you would like your comments to remain anonymous please tick this box.

Address

Thank you for taking the time to complete this feedback form.

Please hand your completed form in at the event or alternatively by one of the methods below:

Post: LesleyDow,ScottishandSouthernElectricityNetworks,InveralmondHouse,200DunkeldRoad,Perth,PH13AQ Email: [email protected]

Closing date for feedback is 16:00, 8th June 2018.

The feedback form and all information provided at the event can also be downloaded from the dedicated website:www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/orkney

Any information given on the feedback form can be used and published anonymously as part of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks consultation report. By completing this feedback form you consent to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks using feedback for this purpose.

ScottishandSouthernElectricityNetworksisatradingnameof:ScottishandSouthernEnergyPowerDistributionLimitedRegisteredinScotlandNo.SC213459;ScottishHydroElectricTransmissionplcRegisteredinScotlandNo.SC213461;ScottishHydroElectricPowerDistributionplcRegisteredinScotlandNo.SC213460;(allhavingtheirRegisteredOfficesatInveralmondHouse200DunkeldRoadPerthPH13AQ);andSouthernElectricPowerDistribution plc Registered in England & Wales No. 04094290 having its Registered Office at Number One Forbury Place, 43 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire,RG13JHwhicharemembersoftheSSEGroup.

Q9 from your experience to date, can you rate the quality of the consultation undertaken on the Orkney Infrastructure Project?

Excellent Quite good Neither good or poor

Poor Very poor

Q8 Following your review of the information displayed today, how would you rate your understanding of the Orkney Infrastructure Project?

I am very well informed Know a lot Know a little

Know very little Know nothing at all

Which event did you attend?

Kirkwall Harray St Margaret’s Hope Hoy

orkney infrastructure project€¢ construction and installation of 132kv substation switchgear at...

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