SSEN unveils subsea cable replacement plans for Skye and Harris
By:
Tom Russell
17/12/2020
SSEN
Scottish and Southern
Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has confirmed its decision to
proceed with the replacement of the 33 kilovolt (kV) cable which runs from
Ardmore, Skye to Beacravik, Harris following a subsea cable fault on 16
October.
After an analysis of procurement, cable manufacture and licensing considerations,
it is expected that the replacement cable will be energised and operational
by end August 2021. The replacement 33kV cable, which will provide
increased capacity of between 8 and 10MW compared to the existing link,
is expected to arrive in the UK in late May.
In reaching this decision, SSEN Distribution worked with SSEN Transmission
to undertake a whole system analysis of a range of technical options for
the cable replacement. Following extensive consideration, including
engagement with local stakeholders and affected parties, the decision in
favour of a 33kV replacement has been made to protect against further security
of supply risk to customers on Lewis and Harris and to limit environmental
and community impacts.
Detailed analysis of alternative solutions, including a new 132kV link,
presented replacement timescales of February 2023 at the earliest, leaving
customers and communities exposed to undue risk over three winters as well
as being unable to resume renewable electricity export. The decision
to proceed with the replacement at 33kV also avoids up to 200,000 tonnes
of CO2 emissions from the back-up stations during the timescale projected
for larger cable option.
Mark Rough, Director of Customer Operations, SSEN Distribution, said: “Faced
with considering replacement options in an emergency scenario, we’ve had
to balance the opportunity to progress whole system solutions with the
need to restore Lewis and Harris to normal supply and generation conditions
in reasonable timescales, limiting impacts where possible.
“We recognise from our engagement with the community there are a range
of views about the optimum solution, each with its own trade-offs. In
exploring options, it became clear that the conditions and timescales related
to a larger solution posed a number of challenges which could not be reconciled
without leaving customers and network users exposed to significant risk.
“Our priority as distribution network operator remains to ensure a safe
and secure supply of electricity to homes and businesses on the islands
whilst limiting any risk to supply wherever possible. Today’s decision
supports that outcome.”
