Networking for Net Zero Stakeholder Newsletter
Spring Edition
Welcome to Networking for Net Zero, bringing you the latest news from SSEN Transmission as we progress our critical grid investments to deliver a network for net zero in the north of Scotland.
You can read a summary of our project updates and latest business highlights from the last three months below. We hope you enjoy reading our Spring edition.
A boost for communities across the north of Scotland as we make first ever community funding awards with a second local fund now open for applications
We announced on 6 February, that an initial £2m of regional community benefit funding, associated with new electricity transmission infrastructure, has been awarded to 10 organisations across the north of Scotland for the first time.
Click here to find out which organisations were awarded funding.
We also announced on 2 April that community projects that support health and wellbeing have received £252,000 through a first local community benefit fund that represents a major step towards what is expected to be over £100m in funding for communities across the north of Scotland.
A total of 63 projects across Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perth and Kinross and Clackmannanshire received awards through our East Coast 400kV Overhead Line Upgrade Local Fund. This is a first local fund for communities near to new and upgraded infrastructure, with many more local funds expected to follow.
To read more about the local funds, click here
Additionally, the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) Peterhead Local Fund opened on Tuesday 15 April, and provides a total of £2,159,444 to communities in and around the Blue Toon over a five-year period, supporting projects and initiatives covering several priority areas that have been shaped by input from the local community. We are currently recruiting for local people to join a panel that will oversee funding decisions, with the deadline for applications to the panel due to close on Friday 30th May. To apply or find out more information, click here
Ofgem’s Advanced Procurement Mechanism decision
Commenting on the publication of Ofgem’s Advanced Procurement Mechanism (APM) decision which was released on 20 March, Rob McDonald, Managing Director said:
“Securing the supply chain to deliver our energy security and clean power targets at the earliest opportunity is one of the key requirements to support the timely delivery of new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure.
“Today’s decision by Ofgem is an important step in providing the funding required to help secure the specialist equipment and derisk delivery of the transmission network investments that are critical to accelerate net zero – alongside encouraging inward investment in new and existing homegrown supply chains.
To read what else Rob McDonald, Managing Director had to say, click here
Opportunities for supply chain partners in Scotland for the delivery of new and upgraded critical national infrastructure
We launched a new procurement process on 27 March, inviting applications from new and existing contractors, for the delivery of key elements of substation development as part of its RIIO-T3 and networks renewals investment programme and beyond.
A webinar to invite questions, and to introduce the new framework agreement, details of the threshold change and our upcoming work, also took place on Friday 4th April.
To find out more about our new procurement process, click here
Leading the way on dynamic line rating
As part of our North of Beauly DLR project we are installing the largest DLR system in the UK, with full operation expected by the end of 2025. There is real alignment between wind power and the technology, making it ideal for maximising network efficiency in areas where it is windy. Put simply, the higher the wind speed, the better – as it cools conductors down, which in turn, allows us to increase the amount of power flowing through the line.
Click here to read more about the blog from our Innovation Portfolio Manager, Brant Wilson.
Unveiling our £17M High-Tech Warehouse in Inverness, Boosting Scotland’s Energy Future
We have officially opened our cutting-edge £17 million operations warehouse in Inverness, a vital new hub designed to bolster the resilience and efficiency of the north of Scotland’s high-voltage electricity transmission network.
Built by Beauly-based Global Infrastructure (Scotland) Ltd, the new state-of-the-art storage facility is located at Inverness Airport Business Park and will be used to support the safe operation of the north of Scotland’s transmission network.
To find out more about our High-Tech Warehouse, click here
Quick decisions on infrastructure projects can keep the net-zero economy growing and bring more high-skilled jobs to Scotland
Amid the many challenges of growing the economy, a new report should grab the attention of everyone striving to lift our performance in Scotland and across the UK, including rural and island communities.
Commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, with analysis from CBI Economics and The Data City, the report provides strong grounds for optimism. It shows the net-zero economy booming as never before, having grown 10% in the past year, far outstripping the rest of the economy — with employment expanding by a similar rate.
Click here to read the full blog from our Managing Director, Rob McDonald.
World-first technology to unlock full power of HVDC power systems
A milestone has been reached in unlocking the full potential of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems to support the energy transition, through an innovative project allowing different manufacturer’s systems to connect seamlessly to enhance network reliability.
In a world-first, we have successfully demonstrated our Aquila Lite project, a software interface that allows for HVDC multi-vendor interoperability – allowing different manufacturer’s systems such as controls and main circuits to work together, eliminating the need for costly AC/DC conversion when transferring power between them.
To read more about the HVDC power systems, click here
Joining Forces with DYW to Empower Young Talent and Support Scotland’s Workforce of Tomorrow
We have become the latest organisation to proudly pledge our support for the new generation via the Young Person’s Guarantee.
Here at SSEN Transmission, we are pleased to reaffirm our ongoing dedication to nurturing young talent in Scotland’s energy sector, providing valuable employment opportunities, and contributing to the development of the next generation of professionals across the energy industry in the north of Scotland.
To find out more about our workforce, click here
Project Updates
Fort Augustus substation approved by Highland Council
We welcomed the decision by the Highland Council’s South Planning Committee to approve our Fort Augustus substation extension at Auchterawe. The substation extension, which is part of the Beauly-Denny 400kV uprating project, is a key component of plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. To read more, click here
Planning application submitted for Cambushinnie 400kV substation project
We have submitted a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council for the Cambushinnie 400kV substation project. The new substation, which will connect to the existing Beauly to Denny OHL, will involve construction of a new outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation, located immediately west of the existing Braco West 275kV substation. To read more, click here
Public were also invited to share views on new Braco access road for clean energy project. We invited members of the public to a feedback event at Braco Hall on Monday 17 March to provide feedback over plans to construct a new access road near Braco which will be used to transport components for the new proposed Cambushinnie electrical line.
To find out more about our proposed plans for this project, click here
SSEN Transmission submits planning application for Bingally substation project
The project is a key element of the transmission operator’s proposed Beauly to Denny overhead line (OHL) upgrade, from 275kV to 400kV operation. The upgrade is intended to help deliver high voltage, clean renewable power for connection to homes and businesses across the UK – helping meet Scotland and the UK’s clean power and energy security ambitions. To read more, click here
We also invited the public to share views on plans for new clean power substation connection in Fasnakyle. A consultation event was held at Cannich on Tuesday 25 March to invite views for a new electricity transmission connection between the existing Fasnakyle substation and the proposed Bingally substation. Subject to planning consent, the project is required to connect the proposed new Bingally 400kV substation to the existing Fasnakyle substation, which will allow for connection onto the wider electricity transmission network.
Click here to read more about our proposed plans for Fasnakyle
Public consultation event for Kinardochy – Errochty cable project
Members of the public were invited to attend a consultation feedback event to discuss plans for infrastructure associated with a new underground electricity transmission cable between Kinardochy and Errochty substations in Perthshire.
The event took place from 4-7pm on Monday 28 April, at Kynachan Hall in Tummel Bridge. The proposed Kinardochy – Errochty Underground Cable (UGC) project comprises two 132kV UGCs between the substations, each running approximately 4km in length.
To find out more about the consultation and the project itself, click here
Major step forward for Western Isles Connection as planning application submitted for Lewis Hub project
We have submitted a planning application to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for the Lewis Hub project, which will see the construction of a new HVDC converter station and AC substation near Stornoway.
The project is a key element of its Western Isles Connection Project that will establish a new subsea HVDC link between Lewis and the mainland, unlocking 1.8GW of new renewable electricity generation in support of national clean power and energy security ambitions.
To read more, click here
Planning application submitted for Fanellan 400kV substation and converter station to help deliver national clean power targets
We have submitted a planning application to The Highland Council for the Fanellan 400kV substation and converter station project – a key strategic development that will play a major role in supporting national energy security and clean power targets. To read more, click here
Orkney Link Project: Local community invited to attend cable drop-in event in Stromness
We invited members of the local community to attend a drop in event in Stromness Town Hall on Tuesday 18 March. The purpose of the event was to learn more about the ongoing construction of the underground land cables on the Orkney-Caithness Link project.
The next phase of work, which began in March, involves construction of the new land cable stone platform from where the subsea cable will come ashore at Warebeth, before the cable will then be installed underground to the new substation being constructed at Finstown, a distance of around 14km.
To read more and learn about the project, click here
Electricity project team lend helping hand to Loch Lomond Communities
In the last six months, staff from Omexom, the principal contractor working on our Sloy-Windyhill overhead line refurbishment project, have been taking part in a whole host of activities to help give the local community a lift – from litter picking in scenic beauty spots to sprucing up local footbridges.
Click here to find out more about what our project team have been getting up to in the local communities.
Major milestone for Gremista Connection project as new transformers arrive
The project to connect Shetland’s local electricity network to the national grid has reached another major milestone following the arrival of two new transformers – the largest components in the project. To read more, click here
All Energy Event
We look forward to seeing some of you at our stand at the All Energy event at the SECC in Glasgow on the 14th and 15th May 2025.
Volunteering in Local Communities
At SSEN Transmission, we are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
If you have any questions or feedback on the content above, or suggestions for future stories, please contact us at transmission.stakeholder.engagement@sse.com
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www.ssen-transmission.co.uk
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