SSE Substations

Raincloud was appointed to provide Flood Risk Assessments for The West of Beauly Asset Replacement Projects, which include a total of four substations requiring upgrading at Deanie, Culligran, Aigas and Kilmorack in the Highlands. The need for the projects is being driven by operational requirements and asset condition assessments of the existing substations serving the hydro power stations at each location.

Raincloud undertook 1D flood modelling for Aigas, Culligran and Deanie using Flood Modeller Pro , including sensitivity and blockage testing, which confirmed the sites were at limited risk of flooding including a future climate change scenario.

Following prolonged and heavy rainfall on 5th February 2024, areas to the north east of the Aigas Site were affected by pluvial flooding, while overland flows were observed to the west of the Site causing a landslip of the embankment between the Site and the River Beauly.  Raincloud undertook 2D direct rainfall modelling using Flood Modeller Pro to validate the observed February flood event and outputs showed the Aigas Site was at low risk of surface water flooding.

The Flood Risk Assessments and flood modelling were reviewed by SEPA who raised no objections to any of the schemes.