Two new transformers arrive at Errochty Grid Supply Point in Highland Perthshire
Project teams working on SSEN Transmission’s new Errochty Grid Supply Point project have reached a major milestone following the successful delivery of two new transformers, marking a significant step in enhancing the reliability and capacity of the electricity network.
The new 90MVA 132/33kV transformers safely arrived at the Errochty site, located at Tummel Bridge in Highland Perthshire, in November following a complex delivery operation. This involved careful coordination and planning with Police Scotland, Local Authorities, Transport Scotland, Amey and BEAR Scotland – with specialist haulier JB Rawcliffe ensuring the new transformers arrived safely on site.
To keep road users safe, local road closures were in place between Weem and Tummel Bridge for a short time while the transformers were safely and carefully transported to their final location on specialist 12-axle trailers.
The Errochty Grid Supply Point is being upgraded to help facilitate the increase in renewable energy which is being generated from the nearby Tummel Hydro Power Station. The two transformers - the largest components in the new Errochty Grid Supply Point project - will play a key role in increasing the site’s ability to handle higher electricity loads, improve operational efficiency, and help enable the connection of new renewable energy being generated from the nearby Tummel Power Station to the grid, helping to deliver a network for net zero.
The project will see the existing site extended to facilitate the installation of the two new transformers along with appropriate 132kV and 33kV switchgear to create a new Grid Supply Point (GSP). This new Errochty GSP will provide a 33kV connection point to accommodate all generation and demand currently served by Tummel Bridge GSP, including the requested capacity increase for Tummel Bridge Hydro Power station. Once completed, the existing Tummel Bridge GSP will be decommissioned and removed.
The arrival of the transformers marks a major milestone in the project, with teams now working to install the new equipment safely.
This addition is part of SSEN Transmission's ongoing commitment to achieve the country’s energy security and clean power objectives, contributing towards the fight against climate change.
Chris Hamilton, Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, said:
“These new transformers represent a crucial investment in the future of our energy system. With more renewable energy being generated from the nearby Tummel Hydro Power Station, we are focused on ensuring that our infrastructure can meet the demands of tomorrow while maintaining the highest standards of reliability and safety.
“The delivery of these transformers represents a major milestone in the project and follow years of planning for their safe arrival from Germany, involving careful coordination with the local authorities, Police Scotland, Amey, BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland to ensure they could on site arrive safely.
“We’d also like to extend a huge thanks to the local community for their understanding and continued patience with this project, and we’ll continue to of course keep them informed as the project progresses.”
Errochty Grid Supply Point began construction in late 2023 and is on track to be energised in mid-2026.
Located near Tummel Bridge, the project team have been working with teams at the nearby Dun Coillich community woodland to plant over five and half hectares of native tree species, which form’s part of SSEN Transmission’s commitment to increase biodiversity on every project. The new trees will help restore local wildlife and encourage native species of flora and fauna to thrive.
Learn more about the Errochty Grid Supply Point project here: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/errochty-gsp/