Perth-based electricity network company SSEN Transmission has announced the start of an upgrade at its existing New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a clean power, energy secure future.
Originally energised in 2019, the New Deer substation is now being extended to accommodate the forecast growth in homegrown, clean power, across the north of Scotland. The expansion will add four new electricity connection bays to the existing platform, which will enable future connections to the transmission network.
The work will all take place within the existing substation area and does not involve any new extension on land outside the site boundary.
SSEN Transmission has appointed Balfour Beatty as principal contractor for the New Deer substation extension, following the firm’s recent expansion and new office opening in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. They will collaborate with Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland Ltd and Forres-based AJ Engineering to deliver key elements of the project, reinforcing SSEN Transmission’s commitment to supporting local businesses and jobs as the transmission network grows across the north of Scotland.
This strategic investment in New Deer Substation is essential to support the rapid growth of onshore and offshore renewable energy projects across the north of Scotland. By growing the transmission network, SSEN Transmission is enabling clean energy to go to where it is needed.
Breaking ground at the New Deer substation extension marks another step forwards in SSEN Transmission’s ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme – a major programme of electricity transmission projects that are part of the business’s plans to invest at least £22bn in the coming years. This investment will see the construction of new substations, underground and subsea cables, and overhead lines across the north of Scotland. The programme will unlock Scotland’s homegrown, clean power potential and deliver the infrastructure needed to meet national energy security and clean power targets, all while bringing jobs and local benefits to the community.
Paul Cooley, who started this month in a new role as Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said:
“The start of construction work at our existing New Deer Substation marks a significant step in our wider onshore Pathway to 2030 programme of transmission infrastructure for the north of Scotland.
“While the work involved in this project all takes place within the existing New Deer Substation site, the project will play a major role in connecting new renewable energy to the grid and help to transport clean energy to where it is needed.
“The project – which will see around 40 working at the site during peak construction – also supports local contracts to firms across the north of Scotland, including AJ Engineering who are based in Forres and Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland, and we’re looking forward to working with them. We’re committed to engaging with the local community throughout the project’s construction to maximise business and other opportunities.
“By investing in our network today, we’re building a clean energy future."
Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said: “We are proud to be delivering the New Deer substation extension on behalf of SSEN Transmission. Our appointment is testament to our unrivalled expertise and the capability of our people.
“We now look forward to working closely and collaboratively with SSEN Transmission, as we lay the groundwork for a successful construction phase and help power the UK’s journey to net zero.”
Iain Henderson, Global Infrastructure CEO, commented: “We’re looking forward to playing a significant part in the successful delivery of the New Deer substation extension for one of our key clients, Balfour Beatty. Working with Balfour Beatty over the last 20 years in the energy sector has helped develop our business immensely, and our partnership with SSEN Transmission – most recently delivering strategic warehouses in Dalcross and Dundee – has also been central to our continued growth. We are keen to remain a trusted supply chain partner for both organisations on future projects.”
To learn more about the New Deer Substation extension visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/new-deer-substation-extension/