Overview
About the project
To support the transition to a low carbon energy system and ensure a secure electricity supply, significant investment is required in the electricity transmission network across the north east of Scotland.
We are proposing to construct a new 400 kilovolts (kV) substation within a 10km radius of the existing Peterhead to Kintore electricity infrastructure, in the south Formartine area. This new substation would form part of the wider network upgrades in the region and provide an important connection point to both the Aberdeen 132kV grid and the existing Peterhead to Kintore overhead line.
The project also includes new transformer capacity to allow electricity to be transferred between the 400kV transmission network and the local 132kV network, improving flexibility and resilience.
Why is the project required?
The existing network around Persley is reaching the limits of its capacity and parts of the infrastructure are approaching the end of their operational life.
This project is needed to:
- Support the connection and transport of renewable electricity to Aberdeen grid
- Improve network resilience and security of supply
- Replace ageing electricity infrastructure
- Provide capacity for future demand and future network connections
By introducing new 400kV infrastructure, the project helps future‑proof the transmission network and supports long‑term energy needs in the region.
What the project includes
At a high level, project includes:
- A new 400kV substation in the south Formartine area
- New transformer capacity to connect the 400kV and 132kV networks
- New overhead line and substation connections to integrate the site into the wider network
- Space within the site for future electricity network upgrades and additions
Detailed design will continue as the project progresses.
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.
Our approach
We are currently assessing potential site options and carrying out technical and environmental studies. These assessments help us understand environmental sensitivities, landscape effects, and how the project could be designed to reduce impacts.
Where possible, we aim to make use of existing infrastructure corridors and locate new assets sensitively, while meeting technical and safety requirements.
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
SSEN Transmission publishes new economic analysis highlighting transformative growth potential of £29bn grid investment programme
South Formartine 400 / 132kV Substation Feedback Period
Project updates
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SSEN Transmission publishes new economic analysis highlighting transformative growth potential of £29bn grid investment programme
We have today published a new economic report setting out the significant economic benefits associated with our planned £29bn investment in new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland.
The report, titled ‘Re‑energising the North: Transforming Scotland’, provides an update on our previously outlined economic analysis on plans to invest billions in mission-critical grid infrastructure, providing further insight into the scale of economic opportunity associated with the investment programme.
The report reaffirms our programme as one of the largest private infrastructure investments in Scotland’s history, with around £29bn of planned investment across the north of Scotland in the next five years, and it details the extent of the economic opportunity across the region.Using advanced economic modelling to analyse the impact of clean power infrastructure investment, the report’s findings conclude that our investment:
- Will support up to 10,000 jobs in the north of Scotland, and 24,000 across Scotland;
- When added to investment by other transmission operators and investment in generation will add around £60bn to UK economic output - with the Scottish economy up to 3% larger over the long term;
- Will deliver long-term improvements in productivity, wages and economic resilience, with employees moving into higher-value roles and key sectors expanding permanently; and
- Will create unique opportunities for Scottish suppliers, businesses and communities across multiple sectors, including forestry, peatland restoration, aggregates and concrete too.
The findings highlight the importance of ensuring that the benefits of investment are felt locally, with thousands of skilled jobs, increased supply chain activity, and investment flowing into communities across the north of Scotland.
Read the full News and Views article to find out more.
South Formartine 400 / 132kV Substation Feedback Period
We would like to thank all local community members and interested parties who took the time to attend our recent information events which we held on Tuesday 9 June in Ellon and Thursday 11 June in Newmachar.
The feedback period remains open until 24 July 2026, and we welcome all interested parties to submit their feedback regarding the proposals presented during the information events via;Online: Feedback Form
Post: FAO Communities Team, SSEN Transmission, Prime Four Business Park, Kingswells Causeway, AB15 8PU
Email: pkup@sse.com
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South Formartine Substation - Information Event
We are holding information events to share information and gain feedback on our proposed South Formartine 400 / 132kV substation project.
The events will be taking place on:
Tuesday 9 June, 2-7pm
Ellon Parish Church, 4 Station Rd, Ellon, AB41 9AE
Thursday 11 June, 2-7pm
The Axis Centre, 9 School Rd, Newmachar, AB21 0WB
During our drop-in event you will be able to view further information about our proposals, meet the team, and ask questions. We encourage all members of the local community and all interested parties to attend the event.
If you are unable to attend the public event all the material that will be on display will be available to be downloaded on the Documents section of this webpage.
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.
Documents
South Formartine Information Event June 2026
FAQs
FAQs
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