New Deer Substation

Type:
Transmission reinforcement
Location:
Aberdeenshire

We have constructed a new substation at New Deer to enhance the transmission network's efficiency and capacity, securing power for generations.

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Overview

Status: Operational Phase

Stage 5 of 5

5 joined together arrow shapes in a row each labelled with the stage number. All arrows are highlighted in filled green shades to indicate the project is at stage 5 of 5
  • Stage 1: Project Assessment: (Completed)

    During the Project Assessment stage, we’re committed to evaluating potential project strategies. At this stage, we provide information about the proposed project plans on our website for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on, as well as holding in-person events within the local community demonstrating our collaborative approach to the project's development.

  • Stage 2: Early Development: (Completed)

    During Early Development, we concentrate on refining the project details, based on our initial assessment of key environmental, technical, and economic factors to identify the best performing approach. We would like to gain further input from communities through accessible in-person and in some cases online consultations, which are crucial in refining our plans and strategies before advancing to the application stage.

  • Stage 3: Project Refinement: (Completed)

    The Project Refinement stage is where we finalise project plans and submit the required planning applications to the relevant planning authorities. Communities and other key stakeholders can provide feedback directly to the appropriate body such as their local council and constituent representatives.

  • Stage 4: Construction Phase: (Completed)

    Within the construction phase we mobilise our workforce, contractors, and necessary equipment to begin construction. We maintain open channels of communication, allowing communities and stakeholders to submit feedback on the construction activities to our dedicated Community Liaison Managers, ensuring ongoing engagement to any thoughts or concerns while we carry out work in the area.

  • Stage 5: Operational Phase: (Completed)

    At this final stage, the project successfully moves into the operational phase, with the surrounding environment restored to its original state or better. Our Community Liaison Mangers continue to be available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring a lasting positive impact and strong community relations even after the construction activities conclude.

About the Project

We have constructed a new 400/275kV substation adjacent to the existing transmission overhead line at New Deer, in the north east of Scotland.

The substation has been constructed to operate at a voltage of 275kV, with a view to being upgraded to operate at 400kV in the future. The transmission system in the north east and east coast of Scotland will be upgraded to 400kV over the next decade, in order to facilitate this, we are proposing both upgrading the existing overhead line network in the region and installing new substations at various points.

These works are required to allow increased generation capacity access to the transmission system, while keeping the network fully operable and compliant with all necessary technical standards. Without these necessary reinforcements, the network cannot facilitate all generation connections.

Establishing the substation at New Deer addresses this issue and in effect increases the networks efficiency and capability. Power sharing across these circuits becomes more important as generation load increases on the system.

A wide view of a substation.

Why is the Project Required?

There is a significant amount of renewable energy scheduled to connect to the energy transmission network in the north east of Scotland over the next ten years. One of the key generators of this is the Moray Offshore East Wind Farm, a 900MW offshore wind farm situated in the Moray Firth, which was given consent by the Scottish Government in 2014.

It has been determined that New Deer is the optimum location for Moray Offshore East to connect to the GB transmission network. To facilitate this connection, there will be two substations built at New Deer. One of which will be owned by Moray Offshore East and the other will be owned, operated and maintained by us.

Find Out More About Moray East Offshore Wind Farm

A wide view of a fenced substation, inlcuding several green buildings and a various kinds of substation infrastructure.

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.

An SSEN Transmission employees speaking with a member of the public at their door.

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.

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