SSEN Transmission submits planning application for Greens substation project

Substation with Pylons.jpg

  • Project a key part of proposed Beauly to Peterhead overhead line connection 

  • Planning submission follows extensive public consultation 

SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council for the Greens 400kV substation project, near New Deer.  

The project is a key element of the transmission operator’s proposed Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead line (OHL) connection, and will help deliver high voltage, clean renewable power for connection to homes and businesses across the UK – helping meet Scotland and the UK’s net zero and energy security ambitions.   

The project will involve construction of a new outdoor 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation located east of Turriff and south of Cuminestown – from where it will connect to the Beauly to Peterhead 400kV OHL, and to the existing New Deer substation via underground cable. 

The substation site was identified as the best from an environmental and technical perspective – including in terms of access routes and its connectivity to existing and proposed OHL infrastructure.  

A series of pre-application consultation events gave members of the public the opportunity to help shape the substation proposals. These include landscape and screening measures to reduce visual impact, a detailed plan for construction traffic that seeks to minimise impact on the local road network, and proposals for Biodiversity Net Gain.  

Cath Swan, Senior Development Project Manager from SSEN Transmission, said: “The Greens substation is a key component of our proposals for a new 400kV overhead line between Beauly and Peterhead, supporting the delivery of 2030 offshore wind generation targets set by the UK and Scottish Governments.  

“Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is crucial if we are to achieve the country’s energy security and clean power objectives, and it’s also a major driver of jobs and economic activity locally and across the north of Scotland. 

“In developing our proposals, we have sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective taking account of the views of the local community with whom we have consulted extensively. 

“We would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events which have been key in helping shape our proposals. We now look forward to working with Aberdeenshire Council and stakeholders as part of the planning submission process.”   

More information on the Greens 400Kv substation project is available on our project webpage Greens 400kV Substation - SSEN Transmission 

Click here to access the planning application on the Aberdeenshire Council website