The public will have a say next month on plans for major construction at a hydro plant beside Loch Lomond.
The Sloy Power Station dates back to 1950 and SSEN Transmission wants to replace four transformers at the rear of the site which were installed in the 1990s.
Six potential sites have been suggested for the project, which is within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Sloy generates around 150 megawatts of renewable power, a document on the company’s website states.
“The existing transformers were installed between 1995-1998 when engineering standards were very different,” it adds.
“Modern transformers are quieter and more efficient but also require more space around them for cooling and safe access for maintenance teams.
“This together with the need to keep the power station connected to the network, means that a new substation site outwith the existing substation compound needs to be found in proximity to the power station.”
The project includes:
- A new substation platform surrounded by 2.4 metre security fence.
- A control building and a new switchgear building.
- Four new 132kV/11kV transformers, two regulating transformers and an air-insulated switchgear to connect them.
- 132kV underground cable connecting the new substation with the existing cables to the west of the site (including beneath the railway).
- 11kV underground cable connecting the new transformers to the power station.
A Pre-Application Notice (PAN) has been submitted to park authority planners and a consultation event on the ’emerging design’ will be held in Arrochar’s Three Villages Hall from 1.30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday June 6.
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