Ground investigations begin for Stornoway Grid Supply Point project

SSEN Transmission has started ground investigation works along the A5859 as part of the proposed extension to the Stornoway Grid Supply Project (GSP).
The work will involve temporary traffic management along the section of the road running from Lochside Arena to south of Loch Cnoc a Choillich, with traffic lights in operation until 21st November.
The works, which will involve the drilling of boreholes, digging of trial pits and peat probing, will assess the properties of the ground conditions ahead of the design and delivery of the GSP extension and associated AC connections from the proposed Lewis Hub. This will ensure that the infrastructure is robust and fit for purpose.
This comes ahead of any planning consent for the GSP extension and associated connections, which are proposed to accommodate the growth in clean power generation in the Western Isles, while strengthening local security of supply.
Subject to planning consent, the GSP upgrade proposal involves:
- Civil works to redevelop the existing GSP, including earthworks, drainage, and upgrades to the access road, to allow;
- The installation of two 120MVA 132/33kV transformers within two new dedicated buildings.
- The construction of a new control building to house upgraded protection and control systems
- The decommissioning of the existing 60MVA 132/33kV transformer, its building and associated control building.
- The installation of two sections of underground cable, approx. 500m in length, to connect the new transformers to the Lewis Hub.