Overview
Status: Project Assessment
About the Project
In order to support the continued growth in onshore and offshore renewables across the north of Scotland and the 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 to upgrade the existing 275kV overhead line (OHL) connection between Peterhead, Persley and Kintore to operate at 400kV. The existing OHL circuits are coming to the end of life and need to be replaced by 2031, as part of our wider network upgrades. We plan to reconductor and reinsulate the 63 kilometres of existing OHL circuit between Peterhead, Persley and Kintore:
- 51km of the existing 275kV OHL between Peterhead and Kintore will be reconductored and reinsulated to get it ready for operation at 400kV. We will initially operate the circuits at 275kV until the substation elements are upgraded to 400kV capacity in October 2032.
- 12km of the existing 275kV OHL between Persely Tee point to Persely will also be reconductored and reinsulated but will remain at 275kV operation until 2032 where it will then drop down to 132kV operational capacity.
The project scope also includes foundation and tower upgrades as necessary to meet current standards.
This project forms part of the tCSNP2 portfolio to upgrade and / or rebuild the circuits and equipment between Longside (Peterhead 2), Peterhead, Persley, Kintore, Fetteresso, Alyth and Kincardine.
Why is the Project Required?
This project helps with the transfer of power from the connection of significant amounts of offshore wind in the region while reducing the impact on the environment and communities by upgrading and reusing large amounts of infrastructure. It is also required to enable the development of a robust and reliable offshore network connection and will be reappraised in the detailed design stage.
Beyond 2030
To deliver energy security and net zero, further additional investment in new low carbon electricity generation and the enabling electricity transmission network infrastructure will be required across Great Britian, including the north of Scotland.
In March 2024, the independent National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) published its ‘Beyond 2030’ report, which confirmed the need for several new, replacement and upgraded transmission infrastructure projects in the north of Scotland. In December 2024, Ofgem approved the next phase of regulatory funding to take these projects through the development phase. This project is part of these additional investments and will soon be subject to extensive public consultation and engagement to help inform the development.
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
Project updates
-
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.
FAQs
FAQs
Recite me
To make use of this function please click on the 3 'A's' button at the bottom left of the website.
