Balfour Beatty, a renowned name in the energy sector, has secured the initial phase of the prestigious Skye 132kV reinforcement project valued at approximately £690 million for Scottish and Southern Electricity Network Transmission. This significant undertaking aims to guarantee a reliable and sustainable electricity supply to numerous households and businesses in the Hebrides and West Highlands upon completion.
The detailed design and development phase, worth £32 million, will involve Balfour Beatty in providing innovative technical solutions for a new 137km, 132kV double circuit overhead line connecting the existing Fort Augustus and Edinbane substations. Additionally, the project includes the installation of new sealing end compounds to link the overhead line with the underground electricity network, effectively bridging the Isle of Skye and Western Isles with mainland Scotland.
Pending planning approval, the full construction contract is anticipated to be awarded later in 2024. Given the expansive and distinctive terrain, Balfour Beatty plans to leverage its in-house environmental and sustainability team to address ecological and environmental considerations, encompassing peat management and wildlife translocation, aligning with SSEN Transmission's biodiversity net gain objectives.
Furthermore, the company is committed to engaging with local communities to mitigate disruptions, introducing initiatives such as the 'Skye workers village' to provide dedicated site accommodation for the construction workforce. Tony Wilson, the Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission and Distribution business, expressed pride in the long-standing partnership with SSEN Transmission, highlighting the company's expertise in executing overhead lines and underground cabling projects in challenging environments.
Paul Higginbotham, SSEN Transmission's Deputy Project Director for the Skye 132kV Reinforcement Project, emphasized the strengthened collaboration with Balfour Beatty as a supply chain partner for the project. This partnership is instrumental in ensuring the security of electricity supply to residences and businesses along the route from Skye to Fort Augustus and the Western Isles.
This recent accolade follows Balfour Beatty's inclusion in SSEN Transmission's Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment framework in August 2023, where the company initiated detailed development and design work in early 2024. The main construction activities for the Isle of Skye Reinforcement Project are scheduled to commence in early 2025. During the project's peak phase, Balfour Beatty plans to employ 650 individuals, including 32 apprenticeship and graduate positions, in alignment with The 5% Club commitment.
Balfour Beatty's comprehensive capabilities in the UK energy market position the company as a key player in driving essential infrastructure projects and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Their involvement in the Skye 132kV reinforcement project underscores their commitment to excellence, innovation, and environmental stewardship, marking a significant milestone in advancing the energy infrastructure in the region
