SSEN Transmission seeks Ofgem eligibility approval for three clean power projects

13 October 2026

SSEN Transmission has submitted proposals to Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, to progress three electricity infrastructure projects in Perthshire and the Highlands. The three clean power projects, unlocking investment in the electricity network, could support more than 400 jobs across Scotland.

At a glance

Project	Location	Capacity supported	Jobs supported	Estimated economic value
Coupar Angus 2 132kV substation	Coupar Angus area, Perth and Kinross	171.6 MW of contracted generation and storage projects	184 UK jobs, including 14 local jobs and 82 jobs in Scotland	Local GVA £7m | Scotland GVA £39m | GB/UK GVA £91m
Earba Pumped storage hydro connection	Central Highlands, west of Dalwhinnie	600 MW Stage 1 | Up to 1,800 MW Stage 2	340 UK jobs, including 37 local jobs and 180 jobs in Scotland	Local GVA £21m | Scotland GVA £107m | GB/UK GVA £220m
Coire Mashie 400kV substation	Between Laggan and Dalwhinnie	Connection point for the 1,800 MW pumped storage hydro scheme	422 UK jobs, including 41 local jobs and 207 jobs in Scotland	Local GVA £24m | Scotland GVA £125m | GB/UK GVA £268m

Note: 400kV refers to Coire Mashie’s operating voltage, not its capacity in MW.

Source: Capacity figures are based on the relevant SSEN Transmission project submissions. Jobs and economic value figures are based on SSEN Transmission project economic benefit analysis and are indicative estimates for project development and construction.

What SSEN Transmission is asking Ofgem to approve

SSEN Transmission is asking Ofgem to confirm that the three electricity transmission projects can continue through the Load Re-opener process and receive funding for the next stage of development.

• Eligibility: confirmation that the three projects can be considered through the T3 Load Re-opener process
• Regulatory assessment route: agreement on how the projects should be assessed.
• Pre-construction funding: funding to support early development work, including design, environmental assessment, land, planning and stakeholder engagement

The submissions are an early step in the regulatory process. If approved, they would allow further development, design, environmental and planning work to continue before future funding decisions are made.

Why the projects matter

Together, the projects would help connect more renewable generation and storage in the north of Scotland, as we build an electricity system based on more affordable, homegrown clean power.

If approved, these proposals would help keep three important grid projects moving, supporting skilled jobs and helping deliver long-term value for consumers and businesses.

Full project details can be found in the Public Project Summaries.