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As a Network Operator we have a significant part to play in helping to reduce carbon emissions and delivering a renewable future.
The areas in which we operate have considerable renewable power potential and there has already been a major increase in the number of developers requesting connections to our electricity network.
We are committed to improving our existing network as well as building new transmission lines and substations to cope with increases in demand. Such investment ensures we are able to deal with the transmission of power from the point of generation to the customer.
We are proud to be making a real difference to the environment. To date we’ve connected 388 MW of renewable generation to our network in the last year.
To find out more about our investment to accommodate renewable generation please click here
Through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) we aim to contain the environmental impact of our activities to a practicable minimum, and to demonstrate environmental care in the communities in which we operate. Innovative approaches to development are used and we recognise the need to manage all significant environmental risks, notably to sensitive sites and species of conservation value.
Our Environmental vision is:
- To be acknowledged as a good and trusted neighbour in all areas of our operational activity, recognising biodiversity, cultural heritage and natural resources as we strive to meet the changing patterns of the UK energy supply and demand via our Transmission and Distribution networks.
- To create new infrastructure resources in support of the UK Government’s renewable targets
- To identify and use cleaner technology, materials and fuels sources where practicable and cost effective and pilot these into the Business where appropriate
From the very early development of our works we engage in environmental and technical consultations with a wide variety of stakeholders such as landowners, occupiers, Local Authorities, SEPA/Environment Agency, SNH/Natural England/CCW, Historic Scotland/English Heritage/Cadw and other organisations. We listen to the views of all interested parties prior to seeking formal approval. To find out more click here.
We are aware of the potential environmental impacts associated with overhead line work required under the Electricity Act 1989 (as amended by the Utilities Act 2000). We are anxious to minimise these effects through the adoption of a precautionary approach, which anticipates the presence of sensitive sites and species, and to mitigate the effect of our operations.
We have developed a number of protocols, which set out procedures to assist our staff when carrying out their work. The protocols are a component of our overall Biodiversity strategy and environmental management.
To view the ScottishPower Environmental Library click here.
Some recent examples of our approach include:
- Delaying of work scheduled for a new overhead line from Windyhill to Dalmalley to avoid the breeding season of golden eagles nesting in the area.
- Working with Forest Enterprise to agree a programme of work which benefits customers by clearing trees from overhead lines to reduce interruptions and replacing plants with those more suited to that particular environment.
- A complex civil and electrical engineering solution was implemented in the centre of Edinburgh to overcome various environmental challenges involved in the under-grounding of a cable via a tunnel. This project is being delivered with minimal disruption to our customers and will serve Edinburgh’s energy needs well into the future. Consultation and co-operation with the public was vital so a Visitor Centre was set up to enable the local community and other parties to speak with the project team. A “name the tunnel” competition was also organised with the local primary school.
- A 1.5km route for a cable pipeline was drilled beneath the Dovey Estuary using impressive directional drilling techniques to avoid disturbance to a site of Special Scientific Interest for wading birds and wildfowl.
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