SSEN Transmission has announced it is no longer proceeding with Coachford substation to the south of Keith, part of the Beauly-Peterhead 400kV project.
The decision follows extensive site surveys, including ground condition investigations, which have identified engineering and construction challenges with the previously proposed substation site, SSEN said.
Despite finding unanticipated challenges at the Coachford substation location, the business has identified a solution that allows the objectives of the Beauly to Peterhead 400kV project to be maintained – and future network development to be delivered, it added.
Coachford was initially identified as one of four substations proposed along the route of the Beauly-Peterhead 400kV project, which is part of a wider programme of investments in the electricity transmission system across Great Britain that are required to deliver clean power and energy security targets.
Whilst the Coachford site is no longer being progressed, the wider Beauly-Peterhead 400kV project, and its initial objectives, remain on track for 2030 delivery.
A new substation in the wider area will still be required to support future network development plans, including a second subsea link from Shetland, in the early 2030s.
Work will now commence to identify an alternative suitable site, where lessons will be taken from the extensive engagement and consultation undertaken during the development of the Beauly-Peterhead project.
Nick Brown, development portfolio manager at SSEN Transmission, said: “After carefully considering a number of options, we will no longer be proceeding with the previously proposed Coachford Substation as part of the Beauly to Peterhead project and will be looking to deliver the initial objectives of Coachford at another site, associated with future network developments.
“Work to explore potential alternative sites will get underway soon, making use of the insight gathered to date from both community consultation and our site selection and development process.
“The Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead line project remains a critical infrastructure scheme designed to support the delivery of Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power targets.
“By 2030, we will now build three new substations rather than four – with alterations made to accommodate this change.
“Crucially, the proposals will still deliver the power transmission and grid connectivity requirements identified under our ‘Pathway to 2030′ investment programme.
“While the Coachford substation won’t now be built by 2030, a new substation in the area will still be required by 2033 to meet future network demands and reduce infrastructure impact.
“We will now actively explore alternative options to deliver the network capabilities originally planned at Coachford.
“That work will involve identifying potential new sites in line with ongoing and future network development needs.
“The company will build on the significant insight already gathered from the Coachford planning and consultation process, ensuring that lessons learned inform future site selection and design.’
The Beauly to Peterhead 400kV project is one of several being progressed as part of our £20bn ‘Pathway to 2030′ investment programme, which is crucial in delivering on Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power targets.