Overview
Status: Early Development
Overview
We’re proposing a new overhead line tie-in connection of the existing New Deer-Peterhead 400kV line into Netherton Hub, to connect the proposed 400kV substation within the Hub to the existing transmission network.
About the Project
We’re leading on the delivery of critical infrastructure projects to power change in the UK and Scotland. To support the delivery of 2030 offshore wind targets set by the UK and Scottish governments, and to power local communities, we need to upgrade our existing network. In some key areas, we need to develop entirely new infrastructure.
The Netherton Hub is a strategic development proposed for a site located near Longside to the west of Peterhead.
The tie-in connection of the existing New Deer-Peterhead 400kV overhead line into the Hub is required to connect the proposed substation to the existing network. This will maximise the transfer capacity between Netherton Hub and the rest of our transmission network.
The project comprises a permanent re-routing, known as a tie-in, of the existing New Deer-Peterhead 400kV overhead line into a new 400kV AC substation to be located within the proposed Netherton Hub.
The components include:
- Re-routing the existing New Deer-Peterhead 400kV double circuit overhead line between Nether Kinmundy and Little Dens into Netherton Hub, to connect with the proposed 400kV substation. This will involve installing two sections of new overhead lines of approximately 1.6 to 3.4 km in length between the existing New Deer-Peterhead line and the Netherton Hub.
- Installing two temporary overhead line circuits to facilitate the transfer from the existing New Deer-Peterhead 400kV overhead line to the proposed diverted lines.
- Removing around 4km of redundant overhead line towers along the existing New Deer-Peterhead overhead line between Nether Kinmundy and Little Dens.
A proposed separate but related project involves the rebuild and removal of a section of the existing New Deer-Peterhead 400kV overhead line from a point near the proposed Netherton Hub to Peterhead 400kV substation. Follow the link below to find more information about the rebuild project.
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.
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
Upcoming consultation event - 5 March 2025
Project updates
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Planning consent granted for the Netherton Hub
SSEN Transmission has today received verbal confirmation of planning permission in principle from Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee for the proposed Netherton Hub. We expect to receive formal written confirmation shortly, which will include any associated conditions.
This decision follows two years of development and extensive community and stakeholder engagement by SSEN Transmission. We want to thank everyone who took the time to engage with us throughout the planning and consultation process.
Community feedback has helped shape the hub’s design, addressing concerns about flooding and visual impact through measures like dedicated land for drainage, screening, bunding, and landscaping.
We will continue to engage closely with all our stakeholders as we progress through the next stages of development. Construction of the Netherton Hub is expected to commence early next year.
Once complete, the site will comprise:
- A 400kV substation to support offshore and onshore electricity generation
- A 132kV substation to support further future generation and storage connections from third party developers
- The Spittal to Peterhead High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from new generators in the north of Scotland to demand centres throughout the UK
- The Eastern Green Link 3 HVDC converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from generators in the north of Scotland to Norfolk and beyond
- A further transmission hall, with capacity for more infrastructure to future proof the growing network
- A spares warehouse and operations base.
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Upcoming consultation event - 5 March 2025
We are holding the first of our consultation events to share potential alignments for the tie-in and rebuild projects.
The events will take place on Wednesday 5 March at 10am-1230pm at Buchan Braes Hotel in Boddam, and then at 3pm-7pm at Longside Parish Church Hall in Longside.
We invite all interested parties to attend our drop-in consultation event to discuss our plans with our project team, ask questions and share views.
Copies of the consultation material will be available for download via the ‘Documents’ tab on this webpage prior to the event.
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.
Documents
Tie-in Alignment selection consultation material - March 2025
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Tie-in Consultation booklet - Netherton Hub 400kV OHL
- Type:
- Date:
- 11 March 2025
- Size:
- 6.6 MB
This consultation booklet shows alignment options and our potential alignment for the tie-in component of the Netherton Hub 400kV Overhead Line Connection to New Deer and Peterhead project.
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Tie-In connection banner
- Type:
- Date:
- 11 March 2025
- Size:
- 5.9 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the project and was provided during our consultation events in March 2025.
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Alignment selection consultation maps
- Type:
- Date:
- 11 March 2025
- Size:
- 1.9 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within the project.
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Potential Alignments T1A and T2A
- Type:
- Date:
- 28 February 2025
- Size:
- 6.3 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the potential alignment options within the project.
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Potential Alignments - large scale map
- Type:
- Date:
- 28 February 2025
- Size:
- 13.5 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the potential alignment options within the project.
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All Alignments
- Type:
- Date:
- 28 February 2025
- Size:
- 6.3 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the alignment options within the project.
Additional documents and materials
FAQs
FAQs
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