SSEN Transmission invites members of the public to share their views on new East Coast transmission infrastructure between Kintore, Fiddes and Tealing

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  • New infrastructure includes new 400kV overhead line between Kintore and Tealing, as well as new substation developments at Fiddes and Tealing

  • Project part of GB wide programme of transmission network upgrades required to deliver UK and Scottish Government renewable targets and help secure the country’s future energy independence

  • Public events to be held in locations along East Coast to meet project team and share views on potential overhead line routes and substation locations

 

SSEN Transmission is inviting members of the public to share their views on plans to further increase the capacity of Scotland’s East Coast transmission network through the development of new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure.  These works are required to help enable the connection of renewable energy from across the north of Scotland and will play a critical role in the fight against climate change and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.

The East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme is part of a GB wide programme of reinforcements that are required to deliver Government 2030 targets.  This follows the publication last year of the National Grid Electricity System Operators ‘Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design’ which established the onshore and offshore electricity transmission network reinforcements required to meet these targets, which includes the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 project.

The East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme involves establishing a new 400kV overhead line (OHL) between Kintore and Tealing via Fiddes. This also requires two new 400kV substations to be constructed at Fiddes and Tealing to enable future connections and export routes to areas of demand. In addition, existing 275kV overhead lines from Tealing to both Alyth and also to Westfield in SP Transmission’s network require upgrading to 400kV operation.

SSEN Transmission is inviting feedback on the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme’s potential route options and substation site locations.

These potential route options and substation locations have been determined following detailed assessments and studies and initial input from stakeholders.  SSEN Transmission is now looking for feedback on these potential route options, which will inform more detailed alignments for the new overhead electricity transmission line; as well as locations for the potential substation developments. 

To help inform the early development of potential options SSEN Transmission has adopted the use of new and highly sophisticated optioneering software, which has allowed engineers to take an innovative approach to assessing and defining potential route options which considers a wide range of factors based on publicly available data sets and technical requirements.  This includes proximity to homes, villages, and towns; historical landmarks, features and landscapes; and the many environmental designations in the search area. 

This analysis was further assessed and validated by desk and field-based studies which has informed a shortlist of the most viable options which are now being put forward for consultation.

SSEN Transmission’s consultation specifically seeks feedback on potential overhead line routes and substation site locations at Fiddes and Tealing.  This will allow the consideration of stakeholder feedback and the potential to recognise other route options that may have been discounted initially, or which may not have been identified.

SSEN Transmission Lead Project Manager Calum Grant said:

“The new overhead line from Kintore to Tealing is part of a GB wide programme of upgrades to our critical national electricity transmission network infrastructure that is key to help achieve UK and Scottish Government 2030 targets, helping deliver a pathway to Net Zero and secure the country’s future energy independence.

“We’ve carried out extensive studies to determine our initial proposals so far, which has involved adopting sophisticated digital technology to identify corridor options from Kintore, and the proposed sites at Fiddes and Tealing.  These corridors were defined based on avoiding geographical mountainous terrain to the west of the line; and minimising proximity to towns and villages, airport restricted zones, existing transmission infrastructure and main trunk roads such as the A90 and A92.  

“We are seeking feedback on our initial proposals for the new overhead line between Kintore and Tealing, with this local feedback and expertise key to helping us further refine our plans and inform more detailed route alignments for the project. 

“As a stakeholder-led business, we will be working closely with the local community and wider stakeholders to help inform the ongoing development of this project and encourage anyone with an interest in our proposals to visit us at one of our consultation events to share their views, which will be carefully considered as we further refine our plans.”

The consultation events will be taking place on:

  • Tuesday 2 May – Kirkton of Skene, Milne Hall, 2-7pm
  • Wednesday 3 May - Ardoe House Hotel, Ogston Suite, 2-7pm
  • Thursday 4 May – Laurencekirk, Dickson Hall, 2-7pm
  • Tuesday 9 May - Brechin, Brechin City Hall, 2-7pm
  • Wednesday 10 May – Kirriemuir, Westmuir Hall, 2-7pm
  • Thursday 11 May – Tealing, Tealing Village Hall 2-7pm

A virtual event will also be held on Wednesday 17 May between 4pm and 6pm to share more information about the project for anyone unable to attend the events in person.  Sign-up details will be made available on the project website. 

All feedback on the East Coast proposals will be welcomed until Friday 9 June.  Although SSEN Transmission has a limited period for feedback on the current proposals, the project team will always accept feedback and input throughout the development stage of the project.

To learn more about the project visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/2030-projects/East-Coast/