North East 400kV
Reinforcement Works
ASH led the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and produced the EIA Report to support consent for a 400 kV transmission line upgrade, reinforcing key infrastructure ahead of a major energy generation expansion.
EIA for Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc
Hydroelectric
EIA
LVIA
Challenge
To accommodate increased capacity from new energy sources, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc required the upgrade of the 275kV transmission line between Blackhillock, Kintore, and Peterhead to 400kV. The project involved installing new conductors, tower reinforcements, and access improvements.
Strategy
ASH provided Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) support throughout the planning stages of the project, from coordinating the full EIA and producing the final EIA Report for the Section 37 application, to delivering specialist input on key environmental topics and managing public consultation.
Results
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report, submitted in February 2019, provided a robust, evidence-led application that helped secure consent for this critical transmission upgrade.
Project Context
Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc is upgrading the existing 275kV transmission line between Blackhillock, Kintore, and Peterhead to operate at 400kV. The reinforcement involves replacement of conductors and fittings, tower strengthening, access improvements, and reconfiguration of the existing OHL network near Keith.
This upgrade increases network capacity to accommodate offshore wind generation, the North Connect HVDC Interconnector, and the modernised Peterhead Power Station.
Our Brief
ASH Design + Assessment was commissioned to coordinate the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and produce the EIA Report in support of a Section 37 application under the Electricity Act 1989.
Our role also included providing specialist advice on landscape and visual impacts, managing environmental topics, supporting public consultation, and coordinating technical inputs.
Our Approach
ASH provided EIA support throughout the planning stages of the project: defining the scope, engagement with key stakeholders and statutory consultees, and managing specialist inputs across environmental and technical disciplines.
Key actions included:
Initiating the EIA process and defining scope
Prepared a Scoping Briefing Note setting out project need, scope, and mitigation approach.
Submitted a detailed Scoping Report to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit to agree the scope of the EIA Report.
Coordinated early input from specialists across topic disciplines including ecology, cultural heritage and hydrology to refine the scope of assessment.
Comprehensive assessment and design iteration
Delivered the full EIA Report in February 2019, integrating findings across environmental and technical disciplines.
Landscape and Visual Assessment
Focused on tower reconfiguration near Keith and key receptors (including paths, roads, and nearby homes).
Collaborative approach and holistic evaluation
Engaged statutory consultees through meetings and correspondence to identify potential impacts.
Attended public exhibitions, answering community questions and presenting on clear, accessible materials.
Coordinated specialists to provide a robust, evidence-led assessment forming part of the Section 37 application.
Other Environmental Input
Worked with specialists to assess risks to features such as habitats and species, cultural heritage, hydrology and soils, with mitigation secured via Construction Environmental Management Plans and Species Protection Plans.
The Outcome
The EIA Report was submitted by ASH in February 2019, with Section 37 consent subsequently granted by the Scottish Government in October 2020. ASH’s coordinated and transparent approach supported a strong application for consent, laying the foundations for critical transmission upgrades to accommodate a rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.
Planning a major grid infrastructure upgrade?
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