Under the terms of our Transmission Licence, we have an obligation to provide a connection to the existing transmission network for any new renewable energy developments within our network area.
In order to connect the Neart Na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm to the existing transmission network, we propose to construct an extension to the existing Crystal Rig 400kV substation 10km south of Dunbar in East Lothian.
The site straddles the administrative boundaries of both East Lothian and Scottish Borders Councils. Consent was granted in 2013 from both Councils (East Lothian Application Reference: 13/00756/PM Scottish Borders Application Reference: 13/01084/FUL) for the required extension. Since consent was obtained, delays in the wind farm’s progress and design developments requiring an increase in the compound extension to allow for new industry electrical safety clearance distances have resulted in the need to renew the consent. It is also proposed to change the construction access road which was previously consented in order to utilise the temporary construction access which was laid to facilitate an extension to Crystal Rig substation required to connect Aikengall II wind farm to the existing transmission network.
An environmental appraisal of the development has been updated to reflect the new elements of the proposals and this will be submitted to both Councils as supporting evidence along with the planning applications.
A two day public exhibition was held in Spott Village Hall (Spott, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RJ) on 24th and 25th April 2017. SP Energy Networks staff and environmental consultants were available on the 25th April to discuss the proposals.
Any queries regarding the project should be sent to: crystalrigprojectmanager@spenergynetworks.co.uk