Scottish And Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) approached 3DW to help with the public consultation period of their Beauly Substation project located close to Beauly which is a short distance from the city of Inverness in Scotland. The Beauly substation is an important part of the electricity network which has resulted in sustained periods of increased generation which is pushing the site over its rated total.
SSEN are looking to rebuild sections of the site futureproofing it with new modern components as the condition of the existing Beauly busbars are a concern with various elements showing signs of deterioration which requires remedial works to be done. SSEN carried out important assessments on the facility with engineers recommending that the existing Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) busbar arrangement is replaced with a new 22-bay Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) double busbar installation. This new equipment is planned to be located within a new building to be constructed adjacent to the existing site area. It is noted that the proposed reinforcement works at Beauly are also being given consideration as the Loch Luichart Extension II wind farm is due to be delivering power to the energy network by October 2024.
Working with SSEN to define various parameters that the 3D solution should contain, 3DW built a large and visually complex interactive 3D visualisation. Using data from Ordnance Survey and various other data suppliers to create an interactive model that could be used at public consultations plus various other settings. These settings included innovative solutions such as virtual exhibitions, that due to health issues across the globe allowed SSEN to continue to drive their development forward and engage with stakeholders at distance.
The 3D Visualisation was well received by SSEN and the public, helping SSEN keep to timeframes set in relation to delivering the project on time. We are continuing to develop the solution in a fluid process between the 3DW design team and SSEN. Working on design choices, new layouts, stakeholder issues and many other important issues that arise during their consultation period.
