Overview
Alignment Consultation Events
We recently held a series of 15 public events across the project route from 20 May until 20 June 2024, with over 900 members of the public registered as attending one of our events. We would like to extend a thank you to those who took the time to attend our events, meet with the team, and share their views on our proposals.
During the consultation we shared our potential alignment for the overhead line, with alternative alignment options in some locations, presented through maps and visualisations.
Accessing information online
For those who were unable to attend the consultation events, we have created an interactive consultation portal where you can view and download content from the consultation events and access photosphere visualisations of the overhead line. All documents relating to the consultation are also available to download from the 'documents' tab at the top of this page.
Our Environmental Consultants, WSP, have created a story map where you can find out more information on the project and access our maps interactively.
Visualisations Slideshow
Our consultants 3D Webtech, have created a slideshow containing some visualisations from their 3D model available at the consultation events. To access this slideshow, please see the video below.
Submitting feedback
Feedback relating to proposals can be made to the project via our feedback form or direct to the Community Liaison Manager via email or letter and our formal feedback period will close on 02 August.
Please let us know if you require information in an adapted format such as paper copy, large print or braille and we will work with you to accommodate your preferences. We are happy to accommodate all reasonable requests for adapted communications.
About the Project
In order to support the continued growth in onshore and offshore renewables across the north of Scotland, supporting the country's drive towards Net Zero, investment in network infrastructure is needed to connect this renewable power and transport it from source to areas of demand across the country.
Extensive studies have confirmed the need for a new 400kV connection between Beauly and Peterhead, connecting into substation sites at Blackhillock and New Deer. The project includes the following elements:
- A new 400kV connection between Beauly and Blackhillock
- A new 400kV connection between Blackhillock and New Deer
- A new 400kV connection between New Deer and Peterhead
- New 400kV substations and associated infrastructure at Beauly, Blackhillock, New Deer and Peterhead
- Removal of the existing 132kV overhead line from Beauly to Knocknagael following establishment of the new 400kV connection
Find Out More About New Beauly Area 400kV Substation
Find Out More About New Blackhillock 400kV Substation
Find Out More About New Deer 2 400kV Substation
Find Out More About Peterhead 2030 Developments
3D Model
We have a 3D model which allows users to view the overhead line from view points across the project route.
Pathway to 2030
The Pathway to 2030, published by National Grid ESO, the electricity system operator for Great Britain, sets the blueprint for the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to enable the forecasted growth in renewable electricity across Great Britain.
The projects identified within the Pathway to 2030 are critical to delivering the UK and Scottish Government’s offshore wind targets. To deliver these targets, we are investing over £10bn to upgrade the network infrastructure across the north of Scotland as the region plays a leading role in the clean energy transition.
As part of this investment, there is a requirement for a new 400kV connection between Beauly and Peterhead.
Explore Pathway to 2030 Projects
This video outlines how the project contributes to our role in delivering Net Zero.
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
Project updates
Documents
Turriff & District CC Public Meeting Presentation
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Turriff & District CC - Public Meeting Presentation July 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 23 July 2024
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
This is a presentation from our July 2024 Turriff & District CC Public Meeting on the project.
Alignment Consultation Materials - May & June 2024
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Alignment Maps with Key Considerations (Sections 1-29) - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 16 May 2024
- Size:
- 25.5 MB
This document containing constraints maps for each of our 29 Sections, is designed to be considered alongside our Consultation Booklet and outlines the key environmental, engineering and cost considerations which differentiate between alignment options.
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Alignment Consultation Document- May 2024
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 1.3 MB
This Consultation Document describes the alignment options appraisal undertaken, the alternatives considered during the selection of alignment options and the identification of the Potential Alignment.
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Alignment Consultation Booklet May & June 2024
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 11.2 MB
Our Alignment Consultation Document contains information regarding the background to the project and the engagement undertaken to date. It describes our approach to the alignment consultation, what we are seeking feedback on and our feedback form. It also contains some high level detail regarding how we select an alignment, our access strategy, and details regarding the overhead line.
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Alignment Options Map with Key Environmental Constraints
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 11.7 MB
Our constraint maps Illustrate our potential and alternative alignment options, alongside the key environmental constraints within each Section.
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Alignment Overview Maps - Sections 1-29- May 24
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 10.9 MB
Our alignment overview maps show a 200m wide Potential Alignment, alongside Alternative Alignment Options (also 200m wide) . They are intended to provide a full project overview of the alignment stage.
Alignment Consultation Document and Figures
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document Fig 2.1 - Site Location Plan.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 370.8 KB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the proposed site locations, produced 01 May 2024.
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document Fig 4.1 - Alignment Options.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 9.9 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within the project, produced 03 May 2024.
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document Fig 5.1 - Ecology, Hydrology & Peat Constraints.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 13.4 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the ecology, hydrology & peat constraints present within the project, produced 02 May 2024.
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document Fig 5.2 - Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Land Use Designations.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 14.5 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the alignment cultural heritage, landscape and land use designations present within the project, produced 03 May 2024.
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document Fig 5.3 - Woodland Constraints.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 14.9 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the woodland constraints present within the project, produced 002 May 2024.
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document Fig 5.4 - Agricultural Constraints.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 10.2 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the agricultural constraints present within the project, produced 02 May 2024.
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document Fig 6.1 - Potential Alignment.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 9.7 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the potential alignment options within the project, produced 07 May 2024.
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BBNP Alignment Consultation Document.pdf
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- Date:
- 09 May 2024
- Size:
- 1.3 MB
This Alignment Selection Consultation Document (and associated appendices/maps) explains the project need and summarises the process which has been followed to arrive at the potential alignment. It forms part of the consultation exercise which provides all interested parties with the opportunity to provide feedback.
Pathway to 2030 Projects - Additional Information
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Routeing Overhead Lines - May 24
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- Date:
- 17 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.1 MB
This document describes our approach to routeing overhead lines, including our optioneering process, how we assess options and who we consult with
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EMF Leaflet.pdf
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- Date:
- 17 May 2024
- Size:
- 18.5 MB
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How stakeholder feedback influences our proposals - May 24
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- Date:
- 17 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.4 MB
This document describes the typical engagement activities we hold with a range of different stakeholders, how you can influence the current stage of our projects, the type of feedback we are currently seeking and next steps.
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The challenges with undergrounding at 400kV - May 2024
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- Date:
- 16 May 2024
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- 2.9 MB
We are often asked why our new Pathway to 2030 400kV connection projects cannot all be delivered via an underground cable instead of an overhead line. This paper explores some of the technical and engineering, operational, environmental and economic challenges associated with underground cabling which need to be carefully considered.
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Planning Applications under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
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- Date:
- 15 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.2 MB
The main legislation that governs the consenting of our substation and converter station projects is the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. This document describes the pre-application process including consultation, our environmental assessments and our planning application submission and how this is determined.
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Why the Pathway to 2030 projects require both onshore and offshore solutions.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 2.5 MB
We are regularly asked why our Pathway to 2030 transmission network upgrades cannot all be delivered offshore via subsea links. This document explains some of the many factors that drive the need for both onshore and offshore solutions.
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Working with landowners and occupiers - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 8.2 MB
We recognise landowners and occupiers as key stakeholders in the development of our projects. This document details what happens if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached, concerns about impact on properties, following legal frameworks, biosecurity, and irrigation.
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The Section 37 Consent Process - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 1.7 MB
The legislation governing the consenting of overhead line projects in Scotland is the Electricity Act 1989. Applications for consent to construct and operate new overhead lines are made under Section 37 of this Act and are referred to as “Section 37 Consents”. You can find out more about this process in this document.
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Protecting Private Water Supplies - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 7.2 MB
Construction works and site investigation have the potential to impact on private water supplies (PWS) and we know that this can be a concern to occupants. This document outlines the activities we undertake to identify and protect PWS.
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Pathway to 2030- Why are these projects needed - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 4 MB
We receive a lot of queries about the need for our Pathway to 2030 projects. This document sets out some of the policies and targets driving the need for investment in new clean power and the electricity transmission network that is required to enable this. It also explains the electricity network planning processes that have established the need for these reinforcements.
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Pathway to 2030 - Tower Crossings - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
In this document you can learn more about the composition of our 400kV towers, and the approach we take when our overhead lines must cross existing assets.
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Delivering Legacy Benefits through Pathway to 2030 Projects - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 6.9 MB
This document details how this investment programme will ensure a reliable supply of electricity, lead to thousands of jobs across the region, a programme of skills development ensuring a workforce fit for the future and place multi-million-pound contracts with the local supply chain benefitting local communities.
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Biodiversity Net Gain - Handout - April 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 1.2 MB
We will always look to minimise the potential impacts from our activities and achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This document explains our approach and includes some examples of initiatives carried out at our sites.
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Delivering a Postive Environmental Legacy Booklet
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- Date:
- 12 February 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
This booklet describes our approach to leaving a positive environmental legacy, including our marine biodiversity approach.
FAQs
Who we are
About the Pathway to 2030 projects
Our approach to routeing and public consultation
Environmental considerations
Communities and landowner considerations
Cost and engineering considerations
Recite me
To make use of this function please click on the 3 'A's' button at the bottom left of the website.
Latest Links
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Report on Consultation
Our Reports on Consultation across our three new overhead line projects and associated substation and convertor station developments have now been published. These reports provide a summary of the extensive feedback received during consultation, how this has been considered and confirmation of which routes and substations are now being taken forward to the next stage of development.
Our Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab.
Summary Reports on Consultation are also available for each of the three schemes and can be downloaded below:
- Summary Report on Consultation Spittal to Beauly
- Summary Report on Consultation Beauly to Peterhead
- Summary Report on Consultation Kintore to Tealing
A stakeholder webinar available for all to join will be held in the coming weeks to share the changes informed by the feedback. More information about the forthcoming webinar will be shared on our events page shortly.
In further recognition of community feedback, we will seek to rationalise cumulative infrastructure impacts through the removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines, where technically practical and appropriate, and subject to all necessary planning consents and landowner agreements.
Work to identify and assess potential sections of existing overhead line where their removal will reduce cumulative impacts is ongoing, with an update expected as part of the next round of public consultation on overhead line alignments and more detailed substation designs in early 2024.
We would once again like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to engage with our early consultation process. We will continue to engage with stakeholders ahead of consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine our proposals.
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Report on Consultation
Over the course of this year, we have undertaken extensive consultation on plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland and have received a considerable amount of feedback from a wide range of stakeholders regarding our proposals.
We recently advised in our next steps for 2030 network developments update that following assessment of consultation feedback and additional options analysis, we would publish our Report on Consultations (RoCs). These reports provide a summary of the feedback received and how it has been considered, which options we will take forward to the next stage of the development process and any changes to options initially consulted on.
It is our intention to publish the RoCs during the week commencing 27 November. All stakeholders signed up for updates on the project will receive a link to the report and we will also issue Summary Reports to help ensure accessibility.
These Report on Consultations mark the completion of the first round of non-statutory consultation, where we sought feedback on the corridor, route, and substation locations. We will be consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine the projects, therefore we welcome an open channel of communication and would like to reassure all stakeholders that there will be further opportunities to engage on this project.
Our Reports on Consultation and Summary Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab. -
SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for Pathway to 2030 network developments
We have announced our next steps for our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects. We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our teams and kindly taken the time to respond to our consultations.
Full details of the announcement can be found here:
Next steps for Pathway to 2030