A major strategic clean energy project has reached a key milestone, with a groundbreaking event held on Wednesday June 3 to mark the start of main construction at the Netherton Hub near Peterhead.
The development will include a 400kV substation, a 132kV substation, and HVDC converter stations to support the Spittal to Peterhead, Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) and Eastern Green Link 5 (EGL5) subsea projects.
As part of SSEN Transmission’s £29bn programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland, the project will play a critical role in delivering clean, renewable power to homes and businesses, helping to support Scotland and the UK’s clean power and energy security ambitions.
It will also create significant opportunities for local businesses across Aberdeenshire, supporting supply chain growth, early careers and apprenticeships, alongside community benefit funding and new housing as part of SSEN Transmission’s ambition to deliver 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland.
The event brought together representatives from SSEN Transmission and Balfour Beatty, alongside local contractors, apprentices and project teams, to mark the start of construction. This follows Aberdeenshire Council’s approval of the remaining planning conditions needed to progress the development.
Left to right: George Young, Director of Operations, Balfour Beatty, Darren Main, Project Director, SSEN Transmission, Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery, SSEN Transmission, Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s business in Scotland, John Scott, Programme Director, SSEN Transmission, Neil Doherty, Head of Operations, Balfour Beatty
Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “Yesterday’s groundbreaking marks a significant milestone, with the Netherton Hub set to strengthen our electricity network and support the delivery of clean, renewable power to homes and businesses, helping to meet Scotland and the UK’s energy security ambitions.
“A key priority is ensuring this investment delivers lasting local benefits, creating opportunities for businesses across the Aberdeenshire supply chain, alongside new housing and community benefit funding. The project will also support early careers and apprentices, helping to develop the skilled workforce needed to build our future energy system.
“We are proud to be working with our delivery partner Balfour Beatty on this strategically important project, which will play a vital role in delivering the energy transition.”
Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s business in Scotland, said: “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step forward in the delivery of vital infrastructure that will enable the transmission of homegrown, renewable energy across the UK.
"As work begins on the Netherton Hub, we are proud to be working in partnership with SSEN - drawing on our extensive experience and expertise, while creating skilled jobs, developing apprentices and supporting local businesses in the north-east of Scotland.”
Supporting local jobs and businesses
The Netherton Hub will deliver significant economic benefits for Aberdeenshire and the wider north-east, with a strong focus on local jobs, skills development and regional supply chains.
Local contractors will play a central role in delivery, alongside businesses across the region, supporting hundreds of jobs during construction and contributing hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy.
£6.6 million has already been spent with Aberdeenshire suppliers on initial earthworks and cable works, supporting around 120 local jobs.
Sandy MacTaggart and Nick Rowan (centre left and right respectively, with shovels) with Managing Directors from local businesses helping deliver the Netherton Hub
Kevin Taylor, Director of Ellon-based JKR Contractors Ltd, said: “We are proud to be involved in the Netherton Hub, delivering the civils and concrete package as part of this major development. With strong local connections, including our own quarries and concrete plants, we are pleased to support a project that will bring long-term economic benefits to the north-east of Scotland.
“We employ 180 people locally, all within commuting distance of the site, allowing us to deliver the project with our own experienced workforce while supporting local jobs and the regional economy.
“The project also provides an important opportunity to invest in skills and the next generation. We currently employ 25 apprentices, with more joining this summer, many of whom will gain valuable experience on this major infrastructure project. We are proud to play a role in supporting the region’s future growth.”
Ewan Riddoch, Managing Director of Stonehaven-based contractors WM Donald Ltd, said: “WM Donald is proud to be involved at Netherton Hub as part of Balfour Beatty’s supply chain. This landmark project for Scotland’s energy infrastructure is being delivered by a local workforce with deep roots in the north-east.
“This contract represents a significant investment in our business, supporting skilled employment for people who live and work in the region. Developing the next generation is a key priority for us. We have trained over 60 apprentices in the past seven years, and many will gain valuable experience on this project, helping to deliver infrastructure that matters for Scotland’s future.
“We are committed to working with local suppliers, ensuring the economic benefits of Netherton Hub are felt across surrounding communities.
“With nearly 50 years of experience in Scottish civil engineering, we are proud to be delivering this project in partnership with Balfour Beatty and SSEN Transmission, and to play our part in Scotland’s energy transition.”
Kevin Mackenzie, of Power Partners Scotland Ltd, said: “Power Partners Scotland brings together Fraserburgh-based David Smith Contractors Ltd and Ground Developments Ltd, combining our strengths to deliver projects like the Netherton Hub.
“Our expertise includes local knowledge, a skilled workforce and strong regional supply chain connections built over many years. Alongside delivering high-quality civil engineering, we are committed to creating lasting benefits for local communities through employment, support for regional suppliers and meaningful social value.
“We look forward to working with Balfour Beatty and SSEN Transmission on this important infrastructure project for the north-east of Scotland.”
Developing the young workforce
The Netherton Hub will also create opportunities for young people, with a number of graduate staff and apprentices set to benefit from the opportunity to play a part in delivering the project
Jayden Scanlan and Isla Dickie-Moir
Isla Dickie-Moir, a Trainee Planning Engineer working on the Netherton Hub for SSEN Transmission, said: “As someone who grew up locally and lives in the north-east, it’s great to be part of a project that supports the Aberdeenshire economy while playing an important role in the energy transition.
“It also allows me to build my career locally, and it’s especially exciting at this stage to be involved in a strategic clean energy project of this scale and importance. I’m looking forward to playing my part in delivering the Netherton Hub while continuing to develop my skills and experience.”
Jayden Scanlan, an Apprentice Site Engineer working on the project for Balfour Beatty, said: “As someone building my life in the north-east, the Netherton Hub is a great opportunity to begin a career in the power industry.
“Being involved at this stage allows me to see designs turn into live construction, helping me build a practical understanding of site operations and project delivery. Working on a major project in my local area highlights its importance and motivates me to deliver my best.
"As part of the early careers community, the exposure and responsibility I gain from this project are invaluable in developing a strong foundation for my career in the energy sector, and offer so many opportunities to develop the skills required by the region and the industry.”