The second and largest of three sections of the Beauly Denny power line, which links Fort Augustus and Tummel Bridge substations, has been constructed and energised on schedule.
The 77km section of new overhead line has been constructed by teams who have worked continually for four years in some of Scotland’s most challenging and remote terrain. The line climbs over the 2682ft Corrieyairack which has the highest located transmission tower in the UK, through the wild Drumochter Pass then continues south through the hills and bogs of Highland Perthshire.
Energisation of the overhead line has been made possible following completion of a new grid substation at Tummel Bridge and the extension to an existing substation at Auchterawe, Fort Augustus.
Alastair Brand, Project Director explains further: “I am extremely proud of the teams who have worked through harsh weather conditions in mountainous terrain in locations that some considered it technically demanding to construct a tower line.”
“The central section of the project required teams to constructed 209 steel towers along the 77km route linking Fort Augustus and Tummel Bridge substations. This is a highly technical project that is being delivered by our principal contractor Balfour Beatty who have been professional, dedicated and when faced with problems have been innovative towards reaching solutions.”
“We have had a very good year in terms of progress and are now looking towards the erection of the final tower, in our licensed area, during 2015. We are continuing to work closely with Scottish Power Energy Networks who are responsible for constructing the final section of the overhead line between Sheriffmuir and Denny.”
The replacement powerline now facilitates the transmission of energy between Beauly and Tummel Bridge substations (127km). The final section of the powerline, linking Tummel Bridge to Denny (93km), is nearing completion and is programmed to be commissioned in 2015. Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission have responsibility to construct the replacement line to the Wharry Burn, Sheriffmuir, near Dunblane - Scottish Power Energy Networks then have responsibility to construct the final section to Denny.
The 220km Beauly Denny project is programmed to be completed in November 2015 following the construction and energisation of the 30km section linking new substations at Braco and Denny. Construction teams from SHE Transmission and Scottish Power Energy Networks will meet at the Wharry Burn, near Sheriffmuir, to connect the power line which runs through two Transmission Operator areas.
The 50km northern section connecting Beauly and Fort Augustus substations was completed in July 2013.
Since starting in 2010, the Beauly Denny project has contributed over £100m to the Scottish economy and has supported the full time equivalent of 1500 jobs including direct employment within local communities.