A RECENT planning application helps reveal the scale of the transmission infrastructure proposed for Fetteresso Forest – and it is huge.
As recently noted in The Bellman, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission, which is owned by SSEN, is seeking permission for temporary road works to allow the transportation of an electrical transformer from Aberdeen Harbour to the Fetteresso substation.
The transformer is just one component from a series of contracts awarded to Hitachi Energy, who are part of a project team including SSEN, appointed haulage contractor Allelys and abnormal load specialists Wynns.
Contained within the application paperwork is an ‘Abnormal Indivisible Load Report’ written by Wynns revealing the exceptional size of the electrical component – it weighs 258 tonnes. According to the report this is considerably heavier than any previous transformers delivered to Fetteresso and it may even be the heaviest item ever offloaded at Aberdeen harbour.
A 24 axle trailer is proposed, with push and pull ballast tractors at either end – the trailer itself will weigh over 450 tonnes. The load height will reach over 5m – bringing overhead wires, trees and overbridges into consideration.
In this case, so complex are the logistics of transporting the component from Clipper Quay to Fetteresso Forest, Wynns have been working on a suitable route since last November. Many options were discounted because of tight bends or bridges not capable of taking the load. Indeed, a detailed assessment of the A90 Cowie bridge is being undertaken to ensure it is competent.
Full details of the intended route are given in the report – but having made its way through Aberdeen using the A956 and A96 the transformer will continue south on the A90 until the Stonehaven south exit slip road at Dunnottar. There, it will be rotated then head north again to the Kirktown of Fetteresso slip road. A change of trailer configuration is then expected before undertaking the final sections of the route to the substation.
And when is this epic haulage operation to be undertaken? Presuming all permissions are gained, it appears the transformer is hoped to be delivered in late summer/autumn 2025, ie soon.
Hurlie Substation planning application yet to be determined
The transformer is described as being ‘part of a future substation redevelopment scheme’ – the upgrade of the existing Fetteresso substation for which a planning application has yet to be made.
This does not impede the planning applications required for the transformer shipment. An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: ”Temporary road works can be determined on their own merits.”