SSEN Transmission, the Perth-headquartered electricity transmission network owner for the north of Scotland, has today started the process of notifying key stakeholders of its intention to submit its Section 37 overhead line consent application by 3 October for the proposed 400kV overhead line project between Beauly in the Highlands and Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.
The project is a key component of SSEN Transmission’s ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme, where it expects to invest at least £22bn in the period to March 2031. It is part of a wider renewal of the electricity transmission system across Great Britain that is required to enable the homegrown low-carbon electricity needed to deliver UK and Scottish clean power and energy security targets. The need for the project has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator, Ofgem.
The forthcoming submission of the Section 37 consent application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) will mark the culmination of a detailed development process since 2022, during which time SSEN Transmission has carried out one of the biggest public consultation exercises the north of Scotland has ever seen.
Over four consultation rounds, more than fifty consultation events and public meetings have taken place to help inform the development of the new proposed overhead line, which includes three new substations at Beauly, New Deer and Peterhead and new HVDC convertor stations at either end of the line too. The establishment of the new 400kV overhead line will also facilitate the removal of the existing 132kV line that runs from Beauly to Knocknagael.
Alongside the consideration of stakeholder feedback throughout the development phase, SSEN Transmission has also sought to balance key environmental, technical and economic considerations, in line with its regulatory licence and legislative obligations. This includes minimising impacts on various environmental constraints such as designations, and key cultural heritage assets along its route.
Minimising community impacts and seeking to avoid close proximity to residential properties has also been a key priority throughout the development phase.
The consultation process directly influenced a series of project changes made to minimise local impact, extensive details of which can be seen in the Report on Consultation that was published in January this year.
Examples of changes that were made to the overhead line route through the consultation process include:
- Adjustments to tower positions at several points to increase distances from residential properties, scheduled monuments and to minimise disruption to existing land use and future development potential
- Adjustments to avoid impact on telecommunication links
- Realignment to the western approach to the River Spey crossing to avoid any potential disturbance to the public water supply
Removal of Coachford substation from project plans
In May, after site surveys revealed significant engineering and construction challenges, we announced that we will no longer be proceeding with the planned Coachford substation as part of the Beauly-Peterhead 400kV project. Beauly – Peterhead’s overall objectives and 2030 delivery timeline remain on track, ensuring continued support for clean power, energy security, and associated economic and employment benefits – and while Coachford will not proceed, a new substation in the wider area will still be required to meet future network needs.
Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said: “The forthcoming submission of our consent application for the Beauly – Peterhead 400kV overhead line project – the last of three submissions for new 400kV overhead line infrastructure projects in our Pathway to 2030 programme – marks another key moment in delivering UK and Scottish Government energy targets, unlocking the homegrown low-carbon electricity generation required to help deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations.
“Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is also a major driver of jobs and economic activity locally and nationally, including our ambitious housing legacy commitments, community benefit funding proposals and workforce expansion plans, delivering a transformational and lasting legacy in the local communities we serve.
“Throughout the development of the project we have undertaken one of the most extensive public consultations the north of Scotland has even seen, and we would like to thank all stakeholders who have worked with our teams to provide constructive feedback which has been instrumental in helping shape our proposals.
“We now look forward to the Scottish Government’s timely determination of this critical national infrastructure development, in line with its new 52-week determination process for priority applications for electricity transmission infrastructure.”
Unlocking local benefits, supporting jobs and delivering economic growth
The proposed new Beauly – Peterhead 400kV transmission line forms a key part of SSEN Transmission’s plans to invest at least £22bn in the period until March 2031, potentially rising to £31.7bn. It represents one of the largest ever private investment programmes in Scotland and will act as a major driver of jobs and economic growth across the country.
Economic analysis, which has been independently peer reviewed by leading consultancy, BiGGAR Economics, forecast that, if delivered in full, the potential £31.7bn total investment could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland, including 8,400 in the north of Scotland. It would also add up to £7bn in value to the Scottish economy, including £3bn in the north of Scotland.
Following the publication of the UK Government’s Community Benefit Guidance for new electricity transmission infrastructure, over £100m of community benefit funding is expected across the north of Scotland, with the approximately 186km Beauly – Peterhead overhead line project expected to deliver more than £35m of community benefit funding.
SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme is also expected to support the development of at least 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland, creating a legacy in the communities that will host construction workers by delivering housing that will support local need once projects are completed.
Reflecting the significant expansion of the transmission network planned across the north of Scotland, SSEN Transmission continue to grow its workforce, which has increased from around 400 in 2019 to over 2,500 today.
Priority Applications for Transmission Infrastructure guidance
In line with the Scottish Government’s new guidance for priority applications for transmission infrastructure, which sets out a 52-week determination period, SSEN Transmission should notify key stakeholders ahead of the formal submission of the Section 37 consent application, which is expected to be submitted by 3 October.
Following processing by the Scottish Government, the detailed consent application and associated Environmental Impact Assessment will be published on both the Energy Consents Unit and SSEN Transmission websites, with paper copies available to review at key locations along its route.
Formal statutory notices will then be published in local and national media, setting out the locations where paper copies of the Section 37 application will be available to view, which will also be published on SSEN Transmission’s website and shared with stakeholders signed up for project updates.
The Scottish Government will then undertake a period of public consultation as part of its determination of this critical national infrastructure, with a consent decision expected within 52-weeks.