Alyth 275kV Substation & Reactive Compensation

Type:
Transmission reinforcement
Location:
Perth & Kinross
Rating:
275kV

Enhancing east coast transmission with a new Alyth Substation, powering the future and supporting renewable energy supply.

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Overview

Status: Operational Phase

Stage 5 of 5

5 joined together arrow shapes in a row each labelled with the stage number. All arrows are highlighted in filled green shades to indicate the project is at stage 5 of 5
  • Stage 1: Project Assessment: (Completed)

    During the Project Assessment stage, we’re committed to evaluating potential project strategies. At this stage, we provide information about the proposed project plans on our website for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on, as well as holding in-person events within the local community demonstrating our collaborative approach to the project's development.

  • Stage 2: Early Development: (Completed)

    During Early Development, we concentrate on refining the project details, based on our initial assessment of key environmental, technical, and economic factors to identify the best performing approach. We would like to gain further input from communities through accessible in-person and in some cases online consultations, which are crucial in refining our plans and strategies before advancing to the application stage.

  • Stage 3: Project Refinement: (Completed)

    The Project Refinement stage is where we finalise project plans and submit the required planning applications to the relevant planning authorities. Communities and other key stakeholders can provide feedback directly to the appropriate body such as their local council and constituent representatives.

  • Stage 4: Construction Phase: (Completed)

    Within the construction phase we mobilise our workforce, contractors, and necessary equipment to begin construction. We maintain open channels of communication, allowing communities and stakeholders to submit feedback on the construction activities to our dedicated Community Liaison Managers, ensuring ongoing engagement to any thoughts or concerns while we carry out work in the area.

  • Stage 5: Operational Phase: (Completed)

    At this final stage, the project successfully moves into the operational phase, with the surrounding environment restored to its original state or better. Our Community Liaison Mangers continue to be available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring a lasting positive impact and strong community relations even after the construction activities conclude.

Energisation

After almost three years of construction, we are celebrating after the new Alyth substation has been energised, marking a major milestone in the final phases of the project.

To find out more click here.

 

Alyth SS Feb 2024

 

Live Osprey Webcam

Ospreys have nested near Alyth for many years. Historically, they nested on the top of a 275kV tower which forms the ‘T’ junction between the main strategic electricity transmission line for the east coast of Scotland and Tealing Substation near Dundee. A 25-metre osprey nesting tower and two nearby 8.5 metre resting perches were erected on the 12th March 2014 under planning permission and have been successfully used by the Ospreys since.

View live footage of the nest below:

Following the interruption since Saturday 12 April 2025 to the live stream that we have set up to the Osprey nest in the vicinity of our substation near Alyth, Wildlife Windows had hoped to have been able to resolve the issue which they believed was due to the connection to the 4G mast.

Unfortunately, after recently checking the system, Wildlife Windows have been unable to get the camera back up and running and with eggs now most likely being laid we anticipate not being able to get to the equipment until early June, once the chicks are well established and there is a lower risk to them this will also be dependent on further assessment by a Scheduled 1 licensed Ornithologist, and ensure a weather window of fine conditions to prevent any risk to the young.

We apologise for this technical issue and that we are not able to get the live stream back until later in the summer, but we hope to have it back up and running in plenty of time for Harry and Flora’s 2025 family to leave the nest.

About the Project

We are upgrading the existing 275kV east coast transmission network to enable new generation to link to Great Britain’s transmission system, allowing the onward supply of power to centres of demand.

There is currently a 275kV overhead line T-Junction tower at Haughend near Alyth, and as part of the upgrade the new Alyth Substation, including reactive compensation (equipment to stabilise network voltage), is being constructed at this location. This new substation will operate at 275kV but will be built for 400kV capability.

Why is the Project Required?

We have a licence obligation to invest in our existing assets to maintain network health and condition. We also have a statutory duty under the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 to ensure that the electricity transmission network is fit for purpose.
 
This strategic grid reinforcement is deemed to be essential for providing the transmission capacity necessary to realise the potential of Scotland’s renewable energy resources, maintaining long-term security of electricity supply supporting sustainable economic development.

Aerial view of a construction site.

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.

An SSEN Transmission employees speaking with a member of the public at their door.

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.

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