Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Visual Impact of Scottish Transmission Assets (VISTA) Inverness 11 November 2015

Transcription

1 Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Visual Impact of Scottish Transmission Assets (VISTA) Inverness 11 November 2015

2 Content 1. Background 2. What's changed? 3. Who is involved? 4. Why are we consulting? 5. Project timeline 6. Overview of the VISTA initiative 7. Methodology and screening 8. Group discussion 9. Summary and next steps

3 1. Background Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) owns and maintains the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland We own around 5,300km of electricity transmission infrastructure (132kV or above) which spans about 70% of the land mass of Scotland, providing a link between electricity generators and electricity users. As SHE Transmission is the only company that owns an electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, it is closely regulated by the energy regulator the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) who agree funding with terms and conditions to which operators must adhere.

4 Operational boundary Boundary of SHE Transmission license area

5 2. What's changed? Ofgem has agreed a set of price controls with energy network from April 2013 to March 2021 this is know as RIIO- T1. As a part of RIIO- T1, Ofgem has provided an opportunity to apply for funding of up to 500m ( ) for transmission operators to reduce the visual impact of existing infrastructure in National Parks and National Scenic Areas (NSAs). To play a part in conserving Scotland s National Parks and NSAs, SHE Transmission hopes to access a proportion of this fund.

6 3. Who is involved? Ofgem SHE Transmission is regulated by Ofgem who are responsible for protecting the interests of consumers and ensuring they have access to an affordable, secure and sustainable energy system. Major investment decisions, such as the VISTA initiative, require approval from Ofgem. Ofgem set the amount of revenue that SHE Transmission can receive as part of the VISTA initiative.

7 3. Who is involved? Key stakeholders include: Local Authorities Scottish Government SNH Historic Environment Scotland Forestry Commission Scotland John Muir Trust Local bodies e.g. landscape partnerships Transmission operators in Scotland: SHE Transmission Scottish Power Energy Networks

8 4. Why we are consulting VISTA represents an opportunity to reassess the historic electricity infrastructure within and, in some instances, in close proximity to National Parks and NSA s, in order to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of these important Scottish landscapes. SHE transmission has drafted a policy and methodology to ensure selection of best value projects where visual improvement can be achieved. We aim to ensure that the proposals developed are technically feasible and achieve best value for money by targeting the areas with greatest potential.

9 The fund cannot be used for: The construction of new transmission infrastructure; SHE Transmission infrastructure outside the immediate settings of NPs or NSAs; Mitigation of impacts on other landscape, cultural heritage and natural heritage designations; or Reducing visual impact of distribution (i.e. less than 132kV) infrastructure this is offered under a separate Ofgem initiative.

10 Distribution initiative SSE Power Distribution investing over 15m Distribution lines (i.e. less than 132kV) Undergrounding of 90km of overhead lines in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and National Scenic Areas North of Scotland and central southern England Inviting suggestions via online form:

11 5. Project Timeline August 2015 Nov 2015 Feb 2016 March 2016 Commencing of initial site surveys Publication of policy document for public consultation Submission of revised policy to Ofgem Selection of the best value proposals

12 6. Overview of the VISTA initiative Visual Impact of Scottish Transmission Assets (VISTA) The aims of the initiative are: To assess the impact of SHE Transmission s existing electricity infrastructure, on National Parks and National Scenic Areas in Scotland; Use this assessment, to identify and develop potential opportunities for mitigation, adhering to Ofgem s strict criteria, and informed by the knowledge and experience of stakeholders; and To secure funding from Ofgem, in order to deliver the best value enhancements to these nationally designated landscapes.

13 How could SHE Transmission use the fund? The fund can be used for measures to remove or reduce the impacts of infrastructure, or which divert people s attention from impacts. Examples of mitigation opportunities could include: Screening visible elements of infrastructure such as substations or overhead lines; Re-routing of existing overhead lines; Replacement of steel lattice towers with wood poles; Undergrounding existing overhead lines. Innovative mitigation techniques to reduce visibility of towers; General landscape enhancements which mitigate the impact of transmission infrastructure Recreational or social initiatives associated with use of recognised designated areas Other mitigation measures identified during consultations with stakeholders.

14 Where is SHE Transmission infrastructure? National Parks 1. Cairngorms National Park 2. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park National Scenic Areas 1. South Lewis and Harris NSA 2. Cuillin Hills NSA 3. Knoydart NSA 4. Ben Nevis and Glencoe NSA 5. Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon NSA 6. Loch Tummel NSA 7. Glen Strathfarrar NSA 8. Dornoch Firth NSA

15 Initial scoping Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Mitigation of infrastructure will be guided by a joint stakeholder group involving SHE Transmission, Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) and local bodies. Dornoch Firth Area included in an active project, which will see the removal of one line from the NSA, and potentially construction of new infrastructure. This will be subject to EIA and mitigation works as part of consenting. Beauly-Denny Recent consent following rigorous EIA process mitigation was implemented as part of the scheme, including the removal of 138 km of transmission line from the National Park

16 Approach The VISTA project will: Identify the impacts of each of these lines on the landscape and views in the designated areas Consider what mitigation may be appropriate in each area Determine technical feasibility of engineering solutions Examine the likely benefits, to ensure the most positive outcome With stakeholder input at each stage, develop mitigation projects which are deliverable and achieve maximum benefit for designated areas Priority will be given to projects which: Yield the greatest potential for visual improvements; Have positive social and environmental effects; and Are economically efficient.

17 Questions?

18 The protected landscapes First stages undertaken: Initial field visits to all the areas Identify the level of impact in each area Consider key issues for each line Begin consideration of appropriate mitigation Seek stakeholder input

19 Cairngorms National Park Special Landscape Qualities (selected): Magnificent mountains towering over moorland, forest and strath; Vastness of space, scale and height; Strong juxtaposition of contrasting landscapes; A landscape of layers, from inhabited strath to remote, uninhabited upland; The harmony of complicated curves ; and Landscapes both cultural and natural. Existing infrastructure: Boat of Garten substation 2x 132kV overhead lines: Farr to Boat of Garten (14.4 km) Boat of Garten to Keith (21 km)

20 Cairngorms National Park

21 Cairngorms National Park Key issues identified Visibility of substation in Strathspey Prominent pylons adjacent to Castle Roy Linear forest wayleaves west of Carrbridge

22 South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA Special Qualities: A rich variety of exceptional scenery; A great diversity of seascapes; Intervisibility; The close interplay of the natural world, settlement and culture; The indivisible linkage of landscape and history; The very edge of Europe; and The dominance of the weather. Existing infrastructure: 132kV overhead line (27 km) Wood pole Constructed 1990 Substation south of Tarbert

23 South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA

24 South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA Key issues identified Cumulative issues with low-voltage infrastructure Polescape Prominent sections north of the substation and west of Tarbert

25 Cuillin Hills NSA Special Qualities: Magnificent mountain scenery; The contrast and complement of the Black and Red Cuillin; The surrounding wild landscape, a fitting foil for the mountains; Iconic images of crofting townships with dramatic backdrops; The Cuillin Ridge, a landmark throughout the northwest; The ever-changing weather; A place of inspiration; and The most challenging mountains in Scotland. Existing infrastructure: 132kV overhead line (18 km) Wood pole Constructed 1989 Substation west of Broadford

26 Cuillin Hills NSA

27 Cuillin Hills NSA Key issues identified Cumulative issues with low-voltage infrastructure Polescape Impacts around the substation near Broadford, just outside NSA

28 Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA Special Qualities: A land of mountain grandeur; A land of classic highland vistas; Human settlement dwarfed by mountain and moorland; The expansive Moor of Rannoch; The spectacular drama of Glen Coe; The wooded strath of lower Glen Coe; The narrow and enclosed Loch Leven; The impressive massif of Ben Nevis; The wild Mamores and secretive Glen Nevis; The fjord-like upper Loch Leven; Long and green Glen Etive; and The dark heritage. Existing infrastructure: 132kV steel tower line on NSA boundary (1.5 km) Near Fort William, constructed c kV wood pole line (8.5 km) Kinlochleven, constructed 2001

29 Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA

30 Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA Key issues identified Northern section visible above Fort William, but peripheral to the NSA Southern section along West Highland Way Wood poles have lesser impact

31 Knoydart NSA Special Qualities: One of the remotest places on mainland Britain; One of Scotland s last great wild areas; Some of the grandest coastal and mountain scenery on the west coast; The majesty and extent of the mountains experienced from sea level; Loch Hourn and Loch Nevis, dramatic but contrasting sea lochs; Views across to the Inner Hebrides; and An exemplar of a previously glaciated landscape. Existing infrastructure: 132kV overhead line (16 km) Steel lattice towers Constructed c.1979

32 Knoydart NSA

33 Knoydart NSA Key issues identified Impact on Wild Land Area to north No other roads/infrastructure Uneven placement of pylons Scale of the landscape

34 Glen Strathfarrar NSA Special Qualities: An archetypal Highland glen; Ancient Caledonian pine forest amidst rocky slopes; A sinuous, fast-moving river emerging out of a peaceful loch; The contrasts in colour, light and views; and A sense of peace and tranquillity. Existing infrastructure: 132kV overhead line (9km) Steel lattice towers Links Deanie and Culligran Power Stations within the NSA Constructed c.1960

35 Glen Strathfarrar NSA

36 Glen Strathfarrar NSA Key issues identified OHL traverses the length of the NSA Deanie power station Adjacent to wild land area

37 Loch Tummel NSA Special Qualities: A breathtakingly beautiful landscape, both lowland and highland; Loch Tummel, the heart of the NSA; Rich and varied woodlands; Peacefulness and tranquillity; The celebrated Queen s view; Spectacular and famous mountain gorge the Pass of Killiecrankie; and The picturesque Linn of Tummel. Existing infrastructure: 132kV overhead line (15 km) Steel lattice towers Links Faskally and Tummel Bridge Power Stations Other lines outside the NSA

38 Loch Tummel NSA

39 Loch Tummel NSA Key issues identified Pylons seen across the loch Visibility from the Queen s View Convergence of infrastructure around Tummel Bridge

40 Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon NSA Special Qualities: Epitome of the mountain grandeur of Highland Perthshire; A clear linkage of land use and landform; A combination of natural and cultural beauty; The great diversity of woodland; Secluded side glens and ancient shielings; The wild summits; Peacefulness and tranquillity; Rich, varied cultural features; The long, narrow and sinuous Glen Lyon; The great expanse of Loch Rannoch; The long, symmetric mass of Schiehallion; and The dominance of Ben Lawers. Existing infrastructure: 132kV overhead line (18km) Steel lattice towers Rannoch Power Station and substation

41 Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon NSA

42 Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon NSA Key issues identified Infrastructure around power station Occasional prominent pylons Follows road on north side of Loch Rannoch, main views are southward across the loch

43 Questions?

44 Group discussion Geographical groups Group 1 Western Isles Skye Knoydart Group 2 Ben Nevis & Glen Coe Loch Tummel Loch Rannoch Group 3 Glen Strathfarrar Cairngorms

45 Key questions to discuss The protected landscapes: What is especially valued about these landscapes, and by whom? Where do people go? Where are the honeypot areas? What do people do in these areas? Impacts of infrastructure: How do you perceive the existing infrastructure in these landscapes? Do you see the infrastructure as a problem in any particular areas? Where do you think the infrastructure should be looked at, and why? Potential mitigation: What mitigation may be appropriate, successful and represent best value? Who will benefit from proposed mitigation? Are there other projects in the area?

46 Summary and next steps Feedback from group discussions: Protected areas Infrastructure Mitigation

47 Summary and next steps Next steps The initial field work and today s discussion will be incorporated into a screening report This will set out the approach that SHE Transmission will take to prioritising mitigation Following this, there will be some detailed follow-up site visits to inform project selection Technical review of engineering proposals Further stakeholder involvement January/February 2016 Refinement and detailing to inform application to Ofgem

48 9. Getting involved Consultation website Draft policy document

49 9. Getting involved We are seeking your views on: The draft policy document The key visual impacts of SHE Transmission infrastructure on the landscapes discussed The best value mitigation methods Any other projects that can benefit from the VISTA Initiative Benefits that can be gained by working together Consultation will close on 6 January 2016

50 Contact details Website: Postal address: VISTA Initiative Team Inveralmond House 200 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 3AQ