Arbroath GSP Upgrade

About the Project

A Transmission connection offer was accepted by our sister company, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc (SHEPD) to proceed with network reinforcements to accommodate a firm connection for the Coronation Power Limited 35MW Arbroath battery storage. This is necessary because additional electricity generation has been contracted for the area.

Arbroath battery storage is seeking to embed into the existing Arbroath 132/33kV Grid Supply Point (GSP) substation by October 2028.

Work Required

Work will consist of replacing the existing 45MVA transformers with 2x new 120MVA transformers. An option assessment has concluded that a direct replacement of the transformers is the most economic, efficient, and coordinated solution.

These will be undertaken in accordance with The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (GPDO) which sets out our rights to undertake development without submitting a formal application for Planning Permission. The GPDO grants what is referred to as “Deemed Planning Permission” subject to the provisions and conditions of the Order. This project’s proposals for the replacement of the existing 45MVA transformers, benefit from these permitted development rights.

Why is the Project Required?

We have a licence obligation to ensure that we can provide adequate transmission capacity to facilitate connections to customers in the North of Scotland who wish to connect to, and use, the transmission system to participate in the national wholesale electricity market.

We also have a licence obligation to invest in our existing assets to maintain network health and condition. As well as a statutory duty under the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 to ensure that the electricity transmission network is fit for purpose.

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.

Other Projects in the Area

We have several projects in and around the Arbroath area that are at various stages. To find out more for each project please click on the corresponding link below to be taken to each project’s dedicated webpage.

Existing Tealing substation

Emmock 400kV substation

Tealing-Arbroath 132kV overhead line

Lunanhead grid transformer replacement

We know that local stakeholders are keen to understand the full extent of renewable developments being proposed in their local area.

Applications from the likes of wind farms to connect to the transmission network are made to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and undergo a lengthy process before we begin to develop a network connection for developments applying in our license area.

We aim to be transparent about the renewable developments looking to connect to our network but are not permitted to disclose any details of these developments until they are in the public domain.

A list of projects that hold contracts for Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) with NESO is available from their website that you can access here.

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.