SSEN Transmission invites communities to learn about upgrades to north-east electricity network
20 May 2026
- Key network upgrades will upgrade ageing infrastructure and increase local network resilience, while supporting growing renewable generation
- Series of local information events will allow public to have their say on early-stage proposals
We are holding public information events to share our plans for upgrades to the electricity transmission network between Peterhead, Kintore, and Persley in north Aberdeen.
These proposals will help secure a reliable electricity supply for local communities in north Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, upgrading ageing overhead line (OHL) infrastructure that’s over 50 years old. It will also increase network capacity to support new renewable energy generation and deliver clean power across Scotland and the UK.
The proposed upgrades include:
- Reconductoring and reinsulating 51km of the existing 275kV OHL connecting Peterhead and Kintore, preparing it for operation at 400kV.
- Reconductoring and reinsulating 12km of the existing OHL between Persley Grid Supply Point (GSP), which serves communities in north Aberdeen, and the Persley Tee point north-east of Newmachar, to prepare it for eventual operation at 132kV. At the Tee point, a ‘T’ junction connects the line to the Peterhead to Kintore route.
- Constructing a new 400kV substation in the wider South Formartine area, and connecting it to the existing OHL. Following completion of the substation, the Peterhead to Kintore OHL would be upgraded to 400kV operation, while the section from the Persley GSP to the Tee point would operate at 132kV.
- Upgrading existing infrastructure at Kintore 400kV substation.
- Installing new infrastructure at the Peterhead 400kV substation in Boddam
Feedback from the public will form an important part of the project development process, and a series of events will be held from next month, where people can view early-stage proposals and provide feedback to the project team.
Information events will take place on the following dates:
- Monday 8 June 2026 - 2pm to 7pm - Buchan Braes Hotel, Boddam, Peterhead
- Tuesday 9 June 2026 - 2pm to 7pm - Ellon Parish Church, 4 Station Road, Ellon
- Wednesday 10 June 2026 - 2pm to 7pm - Kintore Public Hall, 12 School Road, Kintore
- Thursday 11 June 2026 - 2pm to 7pm - The Axis Centre, 9 School Road, Newmachar
Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said:
“We’re pleased to share our early proposals for changes to the transmission network between Peterhead, Kintore and Persley Grid Supply Point in north Aberdeen.
These upgrades will replace infrastructure that is coming to the end of its operational life, ensuring a stable, reliable electricity supply for local communities in north Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. They also form part of a wider programme of essential improvements to support new clean energy generation, enhance energy security, and deliver long-term economic and community benefits.
Feedback from the public will play a key role in shaping our plans, which remain at an early stage, with no final decisions yet taken on site options.
Our upcoming consultation events are a valuable opportunity for people to learn more, ask questions and share their views. I would encourage anyone with an interest to come along and take part"
The need for this project has been identified through the National Energy System Operator’s Beyond 2030 report, which sets out a coordinated plan for reinforcing Great Britain’s electricity transmission network to support the transition to a low carbon energy system. As part of this process, Ofgem has reviewed and accepted the case for investment, providing regulatory approval for the project to progress.
For more information, visit:
Peterhead - Persley – Kintore 400kV Upgrade - SSEN Transmission