Overview
Status: Operational Phase
Extension Energisation
After almost 24 months of hard work, we are celebrating the energisation of the new extension to Abernethy substation which will facilitate the connection of up to 50 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to the local electricity distribution network – enough to power around 60,000 homes each year.
Follow this link to find out more.
About the Project
Transmission connection offers were accepted by our sister company, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc (SHEPD) across 4 schemes to the local 33kV network supplied from Abernethy Grid Supply Point (GSP) 132/33kV substation.
The addition of these four schemes will mean the total connected and contracted generation at Abernethy GSP will exceed the existing 60MVA firm capacity, therefore we are proposing to upgrade the Abernethy GSP.
It is proposed to replace the existing 2 x 60MVA 132/33kV grid transformers with 2 x 120MVA 132/33kV transformer units within the Abernethy GSP substation. The works will include the following:
At Abernethy GSP substation, install two new 132/33kV 120MVA grid transformer units. Undertake upgrades to the existing transformer plinths and foundations to accommodate the larger transformers. Connect new transformers to the existing 33kV circuit breakers.
Why is the Project Required?
As part of our statutory and Transmission Licence obligations, we have a number of duties including:
- the development and maintenance of an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission
- to facilitate competition in the supply and generation of electricity
- to ensure that the security of the network is maintained as the demand and/or generation connections change over time
Community Engagement
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.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
Featured updates
Featured updates for this project
Extension Energisation
Project updates
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We're here to lend a helping hand
We are committed to supporting the communities in the north of Scotland where we operate, both now and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference and have a positive impact on local communities, we are proud to offer volunteering days to local groups and charities, particularly in the areas that host our electricity infrastructure or where our proposed projects are located.
This month, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteering Webpage, designed to make it easier for local communities to request volunteering support from us. To request our help, simply complete the ‘Volunteering Nomination Form’ linked at the bottom of our new webpage. Please note, as our team works on a voluntary basis, it may take us some time to coordinate our people and match them with opportunities. We kindly ask for your patience as we work to keep up with volunteering demand.
Thank you for considering SSEN Transmission as a partner in your community efforts. Together, we can leave a positive, lasting legacy and help transform communities across the north of Scotland.
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Extension Energisation
After almost 24 months of hard work, we are celebrating the energisation of the new extension to Abernethy substation which will facilitate the connection of up to 50 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to the local electricity distribution network – enough to power around 60,000 homes each year.
Follow this link to find out more. -
December 2022 project update
As we prepare for the Abernethy substation site to close for the 2022 festive period we wanted to take this time to provide a project update on the progress that is being made on site.
Following the successful delivery of the new Grid Transformers (GT) over the Summer, civil works have also completed on installing and surfacing of the internal roads within the substation extension. Both transformers are cold commissioned with auxiliary power supplies installed to circulate the oil. We anticipate energisation of the transformers to be carried out in quarter 2 of 2023.
Works also consist of both 33kV bays being installed and the cables tested. Final connections and busbars will be completed within quarter 1 of 2023. The 132kV cable, terminations and switchgear has been installed for GT2 with the circuit breaker currently being installed. New control panels have also been installed and are currently being wired and the LVAC panel is due for delivery before the site closes for Christmas.
Works on site will pause from 23 December and recommence on 9 January 2023 -
Transformer Deliveries
We are soon going to be taking delivery of the 2 new 120MVA 132/33kV transformer units which Abernethy substation is currently being extended to accommodate. We anticipate the first grid transformer (GT2) to be delivered on 28 June, with the second on 12 July. Both units will come to site under Police Scotland escort once over the border at Berwick and all the way to Abernethy. No road closures are expected however, there may be short delays where the roads are narrow, and Police Scotland need to control the traffic.Once the transformers have been delivered there will be overnight works required at the substation that consist of oil tankers being present to fill the transformers. Freedom will be present throughout, and the works will be quiet with no requirement normally for any lights to be on however, occasionally there will be people moving around and some localised lighting. GT2 will be filled between 18-19 July and GT1 between 1-3 August. -
Project Update - March 2022
The first quarter of 2022 has seen construction works at SSEN Transmission’s Abernethy substation continue to progress well as our Principal Contractor, Freedom Group continue with extending the existing substation site and we wanted to provide a short update on the key activities that have been undertaken since the site re-opened following the festive break.Works to date have included modifications to the existing control building to allow for new protection panels which are required for the 2 new grid transformers (GT) when these arrive on site in June. All the earthworks and stone upfill for the extension to the substation platform are now complete and have seen us import approximately 10,000T of stone. Earthworks on the south side of the site are also complete and these will allow new 33kV cables to be installed from the new GT2 to the new cable bay.Foundation piling works which are an essential part of the substation civil works have been completed for both GT bunds, these have consisted of 108 piles being installed to 12-13m in depth. Both GT1 and GT2 bund bases have also been poured and construction continues for the bund walls and plinths.We have also installed a screening bund along the east side of the site, this bund will reduce once our site cabins are removed towards the end of the year.Upcoming works will include the completion of the new GT1 and GT2 bund bases and commencement of new bases for cable sealing end structures, busbar supports and protection equipment. Installation of ducting for new 33kV and 132kV cables as well as installing a new security fence around the substation platform extension.We thank the local community and neighbouring businesses for their patience and understanding while we continue to progress with extending the existing SSEN Transmission Abernethy substation to enable the connection of 57 megawatt (MW) of new renewable generation. To view a selection of photographs taken from site documenting the project construction progress please visit the project overview section of this webpage via the link below. -
Project Update - December 2021
Following our Principal Contractor, Freedom Group mobilising to site in October to commence enabling works and establish their site compound, we had at that time anticipated for the works to widen the road to the substation from the A913 to commence from 8 November. Due to unforeseen delays the road widening works will now commence from Monday 6 December for 5 working days. These works are required to be completed prior to Christmas to allow a start on the platform build in January and traffic management will be carried out via stop go boards.In preparation for starting on the substation platform extension in the New Year we will be looking to carry out a strip of the vegetation on the platform area before works stop for the festive period on 17 December. When Freedom Group return to site on Tuesday 4th January 2022, activities that will commence will include forming the new platform and internal access roads for the new Grid Transformers. These new foundations will be piled ahead of the new concrete bases being formed. This is an essential part of the substation civil works and will commence from mid-January until mid-February. The works are required to ensure that the platform can withstand the loadings from our outdoor plant and equipment. We apologise for any inconvenience these upcoming activities cause and as always thank the local community for their patience and understanding while our works are executed. -
Construction Commences
Our Principal Contractor; Freedom Group have begun setting up their site compound and started enabling works in order to commence the start of construction on the Abernethy substation extension project. The site compound will be situated on land next to the existing substation. Works to widen the road to the substation from the A913 are expected to commence from w/c 8 November. -
Planning Consent
SSEN Transmission welcome the decision made by Perth and Kinross Council on Tuesday the 11th of May 2021 to grant permission to proceed with our extension of the existing Abernethy substation. As a responsible developer, we will continue to engage with the local community before, during and after construction. -
Planning Application Submitted
We are delighted to confirm we have now submitted our final planning application to Perth and Kinross Council regarding our proposal to extend the existing Abernethy substation. Should you wish to view our application in full and submit formal comment to the council our application can be viewed via the Perth and Kinross Council planning portal, under reference 20/01770/FLM. -
Consultation Feedback
The feedback period for providing comments following our virtual consultation that we held on the 7th of July has now closed. The project team would like to extend thanks to all members of the public who took the time to provide feedback on our proposals. All responses received will now be reviewed ahead of submission of a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council. -
Virtual Consultation
SSEN Transmission has developed an online consultation tool, to enable the local community to experience the full exhibition from home on a computer, tablet or mobile device. The online exhibition has been designed to look and feel like a real consultation in a community hall, with exhibition boards, maps and the opportunity to share views on the proposals.Visitors will be able to engage directly with the project team, via a live chat function, where they can ask any questions they might have about the project and share their feedback on the current proposals.The virtual consultation events will be taking place as follows:7 July 2020 14:00 - 16:00 & 18:00 - 20:00
Proposal of Application Notice
We have now submitted the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Perth and Kinross Council under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(Scotland) Regulations 2013. This notice states our intent to submit a planning application to extend the existing SSEN Transmission substation 1.2km north east of the village of Abernethy. The notice can be viewed under reference : 20/00005/PAN.
Project Documents
Project Documents
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Public consultation booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 18 MB
This document is the information booklet that accompanied the virtual consultation held on 7 July 2020.
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Location plan with environmental constraints
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 1.6 MB
This document provides the location of the Abernethy substation and highlights environmental constraints.
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Proposal of application notice red line boundary layout
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 6.8 MB
This document provides the red line boundary layout included in our Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Perth and Kinross Council.
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View point 7 at year 15
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 4.3 MB
This document provides a viewpoint visualisation at viewpoint 7 of the landscape mitigation at year 15 of screening following the planting that is proposed.
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View point 7 at year 0
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 4.3 MB
This document provides a viewpoint visualisation at viewpoint 7 of the landscape mitigation at year 0 of screening following the planting that is proposed.
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View point 4 at year 15
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 4.9 MB
This document provides a viewpoint visualisation at viewpoint 4 of the landscape mitigation at year 15 of screening following the planting that is proposed.
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View point 4 at year 0
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
This document provides a viewpoint visualisation at viewpoint 4 of the landscape mitigation at year 0 of screening following the planting that is proposed.
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View point 3 at year 15
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 5.5 MB
This document provides a viewpoint visualisation at viewpoint 3 of the landscape mitigation at year 15 of screening following the planting that is proposed.
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View point 3 at year-0
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 5.5 MB
This document provides a viewpoint visualisation at viewpoint 3 of the landscape mitigation at year 0 of screening following the planting that is proposed.
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Indicative landscape environmental mitigation plan
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 1.6 MB
This document details our indicative landscape and environmental mitigation plan for the substation.
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Proposed layout
- Type:
- Date:
- 06 July 2020
- Size:
- 1.2 MB
This document provides the proposed electrical layout drawing for the extension to Abernethy substation.
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Consultation times
- Type:
- Date:
- 17 June 2020
- Size:
- 1.1 MB
This document provides the timings of the virtual consultation held 7 July 2020.
Gallery
Progress Gallery
FAQs
FAQs
Latest Links
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New substation extension energised at Abernethy
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