Substation work to start

Works to boost the operating capacity of an electricity substation east of Abernethy are expected to start next week.

SSEN Transmission says the work will allow staff to connect the substation to new sources of renewable electricity in the near future.

The company says the structure will be expanded into an adjacent field so staff can replace existing grid transformers and install outdoor switchgear which will connect to the existing 132kV equipment via underground cables.

It also says the old plant will be removed and recycled in stages once the extension is finished.

A spokesperson explained:“The existing substation ... has insufficient capacity to allow the connection of new renewable electricity looking to connect to the local electricity distribution network, with the extension required to enable the connection of 50 megawatt (MW) of new renewable electricity generation by the end of 2022.”

Project manager Ewan Macfarlane said: “The first phase of work involves permanently widening the single-lane road next to the substation, meaning safer access to the properties and businesses located on the route.

“We always work hard to try and mitigate any impacts we may have on the landscape and at Abernethy we’re working to plant native trees, hedgerows and wildflowers on purpose-built bunds around the site which will not only to help reduce its visual impact, but also ensure we promote biodiversity.”

The work is scheduled to start next Monday (October 25) with teams projected to complete the development in early 2023.