

The Eastern HVDC Link project is a proposal to install a sub-sea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable from Sandford Bay, at Peterhead, to Drax in England.
There is currently a large amount of forecasted generation that will require connection to the electricity network in the coming years and as such we are proposing several upgrades to the transmission network across the north of Scotland to facilitate this. The Eastern HVDC Link will play a key role in helping achieve our Net-Zero targets.
Along with the installation of the sub-sea cable, we will also be required to construct a converter station as part of the project. It is our current proposal to seek permission to place this converter station in Peterhead, adjacent to the existing power station, 275kV substation and recently consented 400kV substation.
Each year the electricity system operator (National Grid ESO) assesses all proposed network reinforcements across Great Britain and provides a recommendation on whether these proposals should proceed. This is called the Networks Options Assessment (NOA). The Eastern HVDC Link Project has been subject to “Proceed” signals from the Network Options Assessment in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 reports and as such we will now be proceeding with entering the formal planning and consultation phases of the project.
This project will be managed by three separate Transmission Operator's (TO) across Great Britain. SSEN Transmission for northern Scotland, Scottish Power Transmission plc (SPT) for the central belt and south of Scotland, and National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (National Grid) for England and Wales.
There are currently proposals for two Eastern HVDC Links, the responsibility of these projects is separated between SSEN Transmission, SPT and National Grid. The link between Peterhead and Drax will be jointly developed by SSEN Transmission and National Grid. The second Eastern HVDC Link will run from Torness to Hawthorn Pit and will be jointly developed by SPT and National Grid, should you have any questions regarding this project then please do get in touch and we can put you in contact with the relevant colleague from SPT or National Grid.
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is the trading name of Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution Limited, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc and Southern Electric Power Distribution plc.
It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.
The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.
SHE Transmission are regulated by the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the regulator responsible for representing consumers' interests. Electricity consumer interests are therefore one of our key drivers and this is enshrined in our statutory duties under the Electricity Act.
In particular we have a statutory duty to develop, maintain and operate an efficient, economic and co-ordinated transmission system. Since the costs of these projects will ultimately be paid for by electricity consumers, we have a responsibility to take cost into account with due weighting in a comparison against other important factors.
Related Projects: Eastern HVDC Link
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