The Proposal
SPEN is now seeking views on the proposals and the routeing work which has been undertaken to date for the Project. SPEN is required in terms of its statutory and licence obligations to provide for new electricity generators wishing to connect to the transmission system in its licence area. SPEN is also obliged to make its transmission system available for these purposes and to ensure that the system is fit for purpose through appropriate reinforcements to accommodate the contracted capacity.
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) have a licence obligation to provide electricity generators with a connection to the electricity system in this area and, in line with this, is proposing to construct a new double circuit 132 kilovolt (kV) overhead line (OHL) to connect Hagshaw Energy Cluster – Western Expansion to the proposed Redshaw Substation in South Lanarkshire.
We will also need to create temporary accesses to construction areas, and construction compounds to store materials. There are well-established procedures in place for creating and then decommissioning these, to minimise the impact on the environment and local communities.
What will the new overhead line look like?
The overhead lines will be supported on Trident wood poles. The pole standard height (including steel work and insulators) varies from 11m to 16m. Whilst wood poles have a standard height above ground of 13m, these can be extended or reduced in height, as required. Pole heights may require to be increased where circumstances dictate, e.g. over elevated land, structures or features. New wood poles are dark brown in colour and weather over time to a light grey.
The span lengths between wood poles average between 80m to 100m but can be increased if there is a requirement to span a larger distance due to the presence of a feature in the landscape such as a river or reservoir.
Virtual consultation room
Our virtual consultation room gives you the opportunity to view all the public exhibition material and provide feedback via our online feedback form. A link to this is provided in the virtual consultation room.
Visit the virtual consultation room is available at: https://spirebush.consultation.ai/
Have your say
Our public consultation runs from Monday 3rd June 2024 to Monday 1st July 2024.
SPEN attaches great importance to the effect our work may have on the environment and local communities. We want to hear what local people think about our plans, to help us develop the project in the best way.
Please come along to one of our public exhibitions, where you can see our plans in more detail and ask questions of the project team.
Date | Venue | Time |
Tuesday 11th June 2024 | St Brides Centre, Douglas, Lanark ML11 0PT | 11am – 5pm |
Wednesday 12th June 2024 | St Brides Centre, Douglas, Lanark ML11 0PT | 3pm – 7.30pm |
You can also fill out a feedback form.
What happens next?
Following the first round of consultation we will develop a detailed design and alignment for the new project overhead line, including locations for wood poles, access routes and working areas. We will publish a report summarising the feedback received in this first round of consultation and how this has influenced our proposals.
We will carry out a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and also hold a second round of public events to inform the public of our proposals.
We will then finalise our project proposals and submit consent applications to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (SGECU), for consideration by Scottish Ministers. Scottish Ministers will then undertake statutory consultation in which members of the public will be able to make a representation directly to the SGECU.
The SGECU will then consider the proposals and representations before making any decision on our application.