Has a tram network been ruled out of Glasgow's Clyde Metro project?
The Clyde Metro project was first mentioned in 2017 by the Connectivity Commission investigating the future of transport in Glasgow.
Eight years later, people in the city are no clearer about what this could be or whether it will actually happen than they were then.
Last week, Mott MacDonald was appointed consultants for the next stage, described as 'helping to determine a scope and timetable for the delivery of Clyde Metro, including routes, destinations and specific modes'.
READ NEXT: Clyde Metro latest update as firm appointed for next stage
The Glasgow Times asked Strathclyde Partnership for Transport what Clyde Metro will look like and when we might see it.
Valerie Davidson spoke to the Glasgow Times to answer some questions we still have about Clyde Metro.
At the moment, the exact details have still to be decided.
We do know one thing. It will not be a new tram network.
SPT, Glasgow City Council, and Transport Scotland issued a joint 'Position statement' on Clyde Metro.
It said Clyde Metro could include: 'Conversion of parts of the Heavy Rail network to Metro Rail.
'Extensions to those converted Metro Rail routes to serve new destinations.
"Creation of new Light Metro lines.
The statement also listed a number of things Clyde Metro is not, including: 'A 'tram project' as it encompasses a wide variety of modes.
'An individual route / standalone transport infrastructure project, as it constitutes a long-term programme and wider network."
It said Clyde Metro is not 'being considered in isolation – it needs to be considered alongside other existing modes as well as the transformational impacts it can deliver.'
Ms Davidson explained where the project is at the moment.
She said: 'There is a process we have to follow.
'First, identify the case for change. That's been done. Then, identify the range of options. That's the stage we are in at the moment.
'It all contributes to the business case. Metro is a programme of activities, of different projects.'
The Mott McDonald work will be complete by 2026/27.
She added: 'That's the next big date, to have the case for investment and why you would do this? Is this buildable?.'
Ms Davidson said there are four 'corridors' of work, considering 'What are we trying to connect and why?'.
She added: 'It will decide a preferred outcome and what to do first.
'Heavy rail or tram or tram/train. Anything is possible.'
Asked about the joint position, which appeared to rule out a tram, she said: 'It hasn't come out as one of the preferred options at this stage.'
However, some new modes could be created.
Ms Davidson said: 'Until we get through the process, we're careful not to say what and where.
'There's a difference between Metro and tram. It's to do with types of vehicle, capacity and frequency.
'Metro and tram are marginally different.'
A new route connecting Glasgow Airport was said to be the first route of Metro.
Ms Davidson said: 'We are obviously looking at what's the priority and that is part of the work we are doing just now.
'Connections to the airport area are still in there.'
The next step is for the case for investment and preferred options to be brought forward.
Ms Davidson said: 'We will present the work to our own partnership board, also to Glasgow City Region and also Transport Scotland.
'All three bodies are working in different capacities. If you are talking about who eventually approves it, we would be seeking the agreement of all three.'
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The All Energy Conference brought together renewable developers, suppliers, and organisations whose focus is on the delivery of renewable energy. Emphasis was very much on the grid, the challenges around delivering renewable energy and the vast requirement to deliver infrastructure in the coming 5 years to meet the 2030 Clean Energy Plan. There were discussions on grid reform, workforce, material availability and budgets, but concerning that there was no mention of land rights required from farmers and landowners who will be affected. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ian Austin, Davidson & Robertson Director, and Head of Utilities Energy & Infrastructure said 'Ultimately, transmission development is behind where it needs to be, but there is huge political support driving delivery to meet targets and that was very evident at the conference. 'It was stated that the industry now needs twice the level of transmission infrastructure (pylons) that has been created in the past ten years – but it needs to be achieved in just the next 5 years. That is a big target requiring a huge commitment, but there is now political might to see this happen. The government's National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been in place since November, and with a full reform of the grid connection process, is hopeful of getting more deliverable projects approved and progressing at a faster pace. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The NESO Grid Reform Review halted grid applications so they could review and redefine the process to unclog the 700GW backlog of projects and improve procedures. The revised application process is scheduled to reopen in the autumn having gate-checked existing applications to ensure: land right agreements are in place with landowners; the proposed development is fully justified and is required for the delivery of the 2030 Clean Energy Plan; there is progress with planning; and therefore, can demonstrate its requirement for a grid connection. All new applications will be subject to the same checks. Ian Austin D&R Director, Head of Utilities, Energy & Infrastructure 'For many landowners, this does mean there will still be a rush to have contracts concluded with their developer partners. Some developers believe these reforms will give viable projects already in the system, an earlier revised grid connection date that will, in many cases, be determined by delivery of Grid enhancement works. 'The review has also resulted in landowners seeing large-scale Lithium Iron Battery projects being dropped by developers as in many cases, they cannot establish the need given battery storage was so oversupplied to meet the 2030 Clean Energy Plan. 'D&R predicts that summer will see more urgency coming from developers moving at pace to capitalise on the planned reopening of grid applications. Landowners will be faced with a June deadline for agreeing land rights allowing applications to proceed where developers try to hold on to existing grid offers. We are already seeing developers rushing to re-engage on contracts for projects currently on hold or looking to swap projects or introduce new ones. With this in mind and the requirement for even more transmission and distribution infrastructure, our key message to landowners is crucial: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'For farmers and landowners faced with infrastructure project crossing their land, it is more important than ever, to take professional advice from Agents who have significant years of experience in this sector. Above all, do not sign anything until you are fully aware of your rights and options, and be aware that in most cases, utility companies and developers will reimburse reasonable professional costs as part of your compensation or as part of a commercial deal.' SSEN has already committed a £22 billion transmission line investment in Scotland alone by 2030. For the first time, the conference debate extended beyond transmission lines and pylons, taking a wider view considering the distribution of energy to the wider networks (pole lines). During one seminar, Tom Hughes, Assistant Director of Energy, National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority estimated that £37 - £50 billion spend will be required for new distribution works – that is on top of existing pole repair and renewal budgets. For landowners, distribution infrastructure has a huge impact as it affects a significantly greater number of landowners. Commenting on other key highlights that could affect landowners, Ian Austin said 'As technology advances, hydropower may become more of an option for landowners. High-density 'heavy water' is 2.5 times denser than water, meaning that where a hydro project typically needed 500 metres of fall, in the future only 200 metres may be sufficient. It could open up the option for more landowners to consider. Agreements will need to consider issues arising from leaks and any resulting liability for damage to waterways. 'There was strong debate between the District Network Operators (DNOs) and NESO on the possibility of introducing zonal pricing where need/availability is taken into account. The DNOs (SSEN and SSE) were firmly against this, citing uncertainty and investment risk and threatening project viability. NESO, however, argue the opposite saying it created opportunities-focused development where is required and can facilitated. For farmers, the only opportunity from this would be battery storage, with some battery developers in D&R's experience making the same argument. The future will likely see lithium batteries superseded by technological advances which include looking at liquid flow batteries and compressed air flywheels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The UK operates 10GW onshore wind with 1GW in construction and a strong pipeline of future projects strengthened by lifting the wind ban in England which will be good news for farmers south of the border looking at wind farm opportunities. A total of 27-29 GW of onshore wind is needed to meet UK 2030 goals, so developers are hugely keen to acquire sites and agree terms to make a grid application. 'Solar too will continue to see an increased demand currently generating circa 20GW electricity with a 2030 target of 60GW. 'Demand for materials outstrips supply and there is a severe shortage of skilled people employed and coming into the industry due to a lack of training, knowledge, and awareness of the sector. It was commented that this is not helped by the fact that there are no courses tailored to match industry needs. '95% of our current energy use is low carbon, and in 2025, the aim is to achieve 100% low carbon energy for at least a few hours – an achievement that is on target and demonstrates the political will to make things happen.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The next NESO plan will provide energy guidelines for 2030 – 35 and is set to be even more ambitious because it must take into account the population increase and rising energy requirements. This is due to be published in Q4 2026. In summary, Ian Austin said, 'Overall, D&R believes there appears to be a lack of appreciation from some of the key decision makers within SPEN, SSEN, NESO and developers, in terms of consents by landowners and how the transition to clean powers will affect them. The reality is that, right across the UK, more landowners than ever before will be faced with approved infrastructure projects on their land.'
