Scottish Government

Upgrade Beauly - Dounreay overhead electricity transmission line.

NPF2 Paragraph Reference

103, 105, 158, Annex A- National Development 11

Contribution to NPF Strategy

• Supports strong, sustainable growth for the benefit of all parts of Scotland.
• Expands opportunities for communities and businesses by promoting environmental quality and good connectivity.
• Supports strong, sustainable growth for the benefit of all parts of Scotland.
• Helps to reduce Scotland's carbon footprint and facilitates adaptation to climate change.

Lead Partner(s)/Delivery Bodies

Regulatory approval from Ofgem to proceed to construction was secured in March 2010. SHETL has developed and tested a new conductor specific to this line. Environmental reports have been produced for the SSSIs/SPAs/SACs within the area of the existing line and agreements in principle reached with SNH on mitigation requirements during construction. The overhead line design contract was placed in June 2010 for site investigation and design. Work commenced summer 2010. The construction contract was awarded in May 2011 and is scheduled for completion in December 2012. The contractor for the Dounreay substation works was appointed in July 2010, with completion in December 2012.

Interest in potential onshore and marine renewable generation developments Is sufficient to justify SHETL examining further reinforcement options in Caithness and the North West. These reinforcement options will be presented to Ofgem in August 2011 to secure the necessary funding to proceed to construction.