SSEN Transmission has submitted a Section 37 consent application to Scottish Ministers for the proposed 400kV overhead line project between Kintore in Aberdeenshire and Tealing in Angus.
The project is a key component of the Perth-headquartered electricity transmission network owner’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 upgrade of the electricity transmission system across Great Britain enabling delivery of offshore wind energy in support of UK and Scottish clean power and energy security targets. The project need has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator, Ofgem.
The submission of the Section 37 application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) marks the culmination of a detailed development process where SSEN Transmission carried out one of the biggest public consultation exercises the north of Scotland has ever seen.
Forty consultation events and public meetings have taken place to help inform the development of the new proposed overhead line, which also includes two new substations at Fetteresso Forest (Hurlie) and Tealing (Emmock). This led to the decision to move the original proposed substation location to the new site at Hurlie, as well as significant changes to overhead line alignments.
Associated projects are the reconductoring of existing overhead lines between Alyth in Perth & Kinross and Tealing, and between Tealing and Westfield in Fife, to upgrade them from 275kV to operate at 400kV.
The section 37 application is now available to view on the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) website under reference ECU00005225 – please visit https://www.energyconsents.scot/
A hard copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and supporting documents that form part of the application is also available at the following locations:
- Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar DD8 1AN
- Culter Library, 189 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0UJ
- Fintry Library, 1 Findcastle Street, Dundee, DD4 9EW
- Inverurie Library, Inverurie Town Hall, Market Place, Inverurie AB51 3SN
- Mearns Community Library, Mearns Community Campus, Aberdeen Road, Laurencekirk, AB30 1ZJ
- Stonehaven Library, Evan Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2ET
- Westhill Library, Westhill Primary School, Westhill Drive, Westhill AB32 6FY
Ministers are now expected to determine the application within 12 months, in line with the Scottish Government’s new 52-week determination process for priority applications for electricity transmission infrastructure.
During the determination period SSEN Transmission will continue to undertake survey work along the route, to gain a further understanding of ground and environmental conditions ahead of the project.
Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said: “Submitting our consent application for the Kintore–Tealing 400kV overhead line marks a major milestone in supporting UK and Scottish energy goals.
“This project will unlock vital low-carbon electricity and strengthen the security and affordability of our energy system.
“Upgrading the transmission network also drives jobs and economic growth, with lasting benefits for local communities through housing and community benefit funding.
“We’re grateful to all stakeholders who contributed to one of the most extensive public consultations in the north of Scotland, helping shape our proposals.
“We now await the Scottish Government’s timely decision under its new 52-week process for priority energy infrastructure.”