The circa £30 million scheme involves the design and build of approximately 18.5km of new overhead lines between Knocknagael substation and the new Tomatin substation in Inverness, in northern Scotland.

This complex two year project includes the installation of 73 new overhead line transmission towers. Each tower will be between 300 and 600 metres above sea level and will only be accessible through purpose built temporary access roads due to their remote location.  Approximately 160 kilometres (which is the same as travelling between Birmingham and Liverpool) of conductors and a fibre optic earth wire between Knocknagael substation, Farr substation and the new Tomatin 275/132V substation will also be installed.

The project also requires the installation of 132kV and 275kV extra high voltage cabling at Knocknagael and Tomatin substations.

When complete, the new overhead line will provide an essential piece of energy infrastructure to Scotland and will help with the connection of onshore wind generation in the area around Tomatin.

Simon Innis, Managing Director of Omexom UK says: “This is a great project for the joint venture and a good opportunity to showcase the strengths of Omexom in the power sector. Supporting SSEN in the design and construction of both overhead lines and substations on their transmission network will assist in the transition towards a low carbon future.”