Public invited to information events on proposed Strathbogie Hub near Huntly

15 May 2026

  • Events in Huntly and Forgue will present plans for new substation infrastructure to support the proposed Shetland HVDC Link 2
  • Public encouraged to help shape early proposals, which include an onshore underground cable connection from the Aberdeenshire coast

We will be holding public information events in Aberdeenshire later this month to present proposals for a new substation and converter station near Huntly.

The proposals form part of the proposed Shetland HVDC Link 2 project, which would create a new subsea electricity transmission connection between Shetland and Aberdeenshire. The link would enable clean, renewable energy generated in Shetland to be transported to homes and businesses across Shetland, the Scottish mainland and the rest of the UK.

As part of the project, a new 400kV Alternating Current (AC) substation and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station are proposed to the north‑east of Huntly, currently known as the Strathbogie Hub.

The site would provide the infrastructure needed to connect the Shetland 2 Link into the wider transmission network, with an underground HVDC cable of approximately 30km running from the Aberdeenshire coast to the hub.

The information events will take place on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 27 May 2026, 3 to 7pm, Linden Centre, Castle Street, Huntly
  • Thursday 28 May 2026, 3 to 7pm, Scott Hall, Forgue

At the events, we will share details of the project and the site options currently under consideration. Attendees will be able to speak directly with the project team and provide feedback, which will help inform the ongoing site selection and assessment process.

The plans form part of our upgrade of the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland, which will deliver significant employment and long-term benefits for local communities, while supporting Scotland and the UK’s clean power and energy security ambitions.

David Inge, Development Portfolio Manager at SSEN Transmission, said:

“We are pleased to be holding these information events to share our early‑stage plans for the proposed Strathbogie Hub, which would include a new AC substation and HVDC converter station to the north‑east of Huntly - connecting homes and business to cleaner and more secure sources of power.

We are currently at an early stage of the site and route selection process, and we want to hear from the local community so their views can be considered alongside the environmental and technical factors that will shape the project.

These events will give people the opportunity to learn more about our proposals, ask questions and share their feedback. We would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to attend."

Find out more about the about the proposed Strathbogie Hub and the Shetland HVDC Link 2 project.

The Shetland 2 Project is also the anchor project supporting Sumitomo’s investment in new cable manufacturing facility in Nigg – providing a major jobs boost for the Scottish Highlands.