A giant transformer unit for an £86 million Perthshire substation will make its way to the site next weekend.
The new static compensating transformer unit, weighing around 120 tonnes, is a key component in the ongoing development of SSEN Transmission’s Alyth Substation.
The giant transformer unit is being shipped to Dundee quay before being transported to its final location at the new substation overnight next Saturday.
To help minimise disruption, specialist haulier Allelys has been appointed to transport the unit.
The transformer convoy will depart from Dundee quay at 7pm on Saturday February 11 under police escort.
It will make its way to Alyth substation via the A90 Kingsway East, A94 and B954.
Once arrived at the B954 junction with Balendoch Road, the transformer will be transferred from the 24-axle trailer to a 12-axle trailer and sit overnight.
The junction with Balendoch Road on the B954 will remain closed. At 9am on February 12 it will then be transported along the U100 to the substation site, allowing the B954 to reopen.
Due the transformer’s size, the delivery vehicles will be travelling at a reduced speed.
The journey from Dundee to the overnight stop at the B954 is expected to take up to six hours.
A ‘significant milestone’ for Alyth project
The substation will play a major role in helping to support the connection of new renewable generation in the north of Scotland to the grid.
It will also enable clean energy to be taken from where it is generated to where it is needed.
Teams from SSEN Transmission and principal contractor Siemens BAM have been working to coordinate a safe delivery and arrival of the transformer.
Once installed, it will help manage the flow of energy across the network.
Construction on the substation began in April 2021.
SSEN Transmission lead project manager Archie Munro said the arrival of the transformer is a “major milestone” for the project.
He added: “The transformer will ultimately enable and manage the flow of energy through the substation and overall network.
“It will help accommodate increased renewable generation from across the north of Scotland.
“We’ve taken steps to limit any disruption as much as possible by scheduling the delivery to take place overnight.
“We have been regularly engaging with the local community and stakeholders to advise them of our plans in advance.”
He said the “complex delivery” has been “carefully coordinated” to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
The construction of the Alyth substation is part of a wider scheme to upgrade the east coast network.
Once complete it will enable the connection of new renewable generation to the grid. It will help facilitate the transition to net zero.
The project at Alyth is on course to be completed later this year.
Conversation