SP Energy Networks is asking people in Fife to share their views on proposals to construct a new electricity substation near Glenrothes.
The new ‘Conland’ substation is part of wider proposals to increase the voltage of overhead lines in Fife from 275,000 volts (275kV) to 400,000 volts (400kV) as part of the Tealing-Kincardine Upgrade Project (TKUP).
Scotland is producing more clean, green energy than ever before, and we need to strengthen the transmission network so we can get it to the homes, schools and businesses that need it.
To help make this happen we need to build a new substation in the Glenrothes area to help increase capacity in the network and help secure energy supplies for the future.
The preferred site for the new substation is to the north-west of Glenrothes on land adjacent to Pitkevy Farm and close to the route of the existing overhead line.
Local people are invited to come along to public exhibitions where they can see the plans in more detail, meet the project team and ask any questions:
Monday 28 April, 2pm to 7pm: Newton of Falkland Village Hall, Main Street, Newton of Falkland, Cupar, KY15 7QX
Tuesday 29 April, 2pm to 7pm: Balgeddie House Hotel, Balgeddie Way, Glenrothes, KY6 3QA.
The consultation runs from Monday 28 April to Friday 23 May and people can submit comments to us throughout this period.
The substation development would cover a site in excess of 100 by 100 metres and house plant and switch gear and two electricity transformers. It will also include site access, parking, lay-down areas, lighting and three-metre-high palisade security fencing.
Changes will also be required to both of the existing adjacent overhead line routes to connect them to the new substation. This will see temporary masts in place during construction while we remove one existing and tower and replace with two new ones, including a ‘terminal tower’ to connect to the substation.
We will also replace wires and insulators between Westfield and Falkland to increase capacity on the line from 275kV to 400kV and add a new span of overhead line connecting into Longannet substation.
As well as the public drop-in event, all project documents are on the project website where you can also find an online feedback form.
A Freephone number is available to ask any questions or request a personal call back from a member of the project team.
You can also be sent a paper feedback form and a Freepost envelope to complete and return free of charge.
Mike Inglis, Project Manager at SP Energy Networks, said:
“The proposed new Conland substation near Glenrothes is part of a wider programme of investment across the east of Scotland vital to strengthening the UK’s electricity transmission network. It helps improve energy security and contributes towards Scotland’s, and the rest of the UK’s, net zero targets.
“We are upgrading and adding new infrastructure into the network in Fife, and beyond and we want to hear from local residents about our plans to help us develop these proposals further.
“Engaging with local communities is essential for us so we hope that people will get in touch; either by attending the public exhibitions in the area, or by contacting us directly.”
People can find more information about the project by visiting our website: Tealing to Kincardine Upgrade Project - SP Energy Networks
People can give feedback or request consultation materials in the following ways:
Email: tkup@communityrelations.co.uk
Call free of charge on: Freephone: 0800 470 2376
You can write to us free of charge at: FREEPOST SPEN TKUP
What happens next?
Following this first round of consultation we will develop detailed designs for the substation, including locations for buildings, access routes and working areas. We will publish a report summarising the feedback received and how this has influenced our proposals.
We will carry out a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, and hold further consultation, before we finalise our proposals and submit planning applications under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) to Fife Council.
We will also need to submit applications to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit, under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, for the proposed changes to the overhead lines and uprating in voltage.
At this stage, your comments are not representations to the planning authority. When we submit applications for development consent in the future, you will be able to make formal representations at that stage.
Scope of Substation
We are still developing detailed plans, but the proposed new Conland substation would include:
- An area for the substation platform (on which the equipment will sit);
- Two 400/275kV transformers;
- Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) to connect each circuit;
- Access track from public road suitable for construction vehicles;
- Internal access routes and vehicle parking;
- Drainage and landscaping
- New 3m steel palisade and internal fencing around the live compound to ensure safety and security.