Overview
Status: Construction Phase
About the Project
We are constructing a new 400kV substation adjacent to the existing 275kV substation at Peterhead. We previously consulted on proposals for a new substation at Peterhead in 2013, however due to the changing requirements in the transmission network, we have undertaken further system and technical analysis to ensure that our proposals meet the future requirements of the network.
Due to network analysis and a significant increase in onshore and offshore generation within the north east of Scotland, there is a requirement for us to reinforce the transmission network at Peterhead through the provision of a 400kV substation. The new substation will comprise of four enclosed super grid transformers, a 400kV gas-insulated busbar, substation control building and associated infrastructure.
Our proposals will also provide consideration of our plans to reinforce the existing 275kV overhead line, which connects the substations at Blackhillock, Keith, Kintore and Peterhead, to enable operation at an increased voltage of 400kV.
Find Out More About Peterhead 2030 Developments
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
Project updates
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SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for Pathway to 2030 network developments
We have announced our next steps for our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects. We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our teams and kindly taken the time to respond to our consultations.
Full details of the announcement can be found here:
Next steps for Pathway to 2030 -
Stage 1 Commissioning Nearing Completion
The Peterhead 400kV Substation construction project is gearing up to hit a major milestone later this month once Stage 1 commissioning is complete. The team are preparing for the first energisation of the substation, which will see the staged flow of electrical current through parts of the substation for the first time. The step-by-step energisation process will begin at the end of August, with full energisation expected this November.
Reaching this point has required the completion of many major activities this year, including the installation of two new transmission towers and upgrading of the existing overhead line to 400kV, new underground cables between the new substation and the neighbouring Peterhead 275kV substation, and the installation, testing and commissioning of the switchgear and busbars. The team are proud to have reached the final leg of this project.
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Festive period site closure
Our Principal Contractor Balfour Beatty’s works at Peterhead substation will pause for the festive period on Friday 23rd December until Wednesday 4th January 2023. -
July 2022 Update
Following the successful delivery of 2 Super Grid Transformers (SGT’s) in March, these are both now fully installed and coming to the final commissioning activities over the forth coming weeks. Significant progress has been made at Peterhead over the last few months with all main civil works progressing well, all buildings now wind and water tight, main electrical plant foundations are now complete allowing the installation of all 275/400kV electrical equipment, Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) and VND1/VND2 Overhead Line gantries. HITACHI mobilised on site late May prior to the first delivery of Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) and will continue the installation of an 8 bay Gas Insulated Busbar (GIB) over the next coming months. The near future will see the completion of two new 275kV underground cable circuits connecting the new 400kV Substation to the existing 275kV Substation and the HITACHI millstone of the High Voltage (HV) testing later in the year. -
April 2022 Update
The delivery of 2 Super Grid Transformers (SGT’s) were successfully delivered to Peterhead as part of the 400kV Substation project over the last few weeks. The two SGT’s (weighing 200 tonnes each) were delivered to Peterhead site via a 14 axle trailer and AUX to AVR Cable installation and switch gear installation is ongoing. Significant progress has been made at Peterhead over the last few months with the installation of the Gas insulated Switchgear (GIS) building, two weather protection buildings and bunds with reinforced plinths for both SGT’s, upgrades to the A90 junction and the erection of two new steel lattice 400kV overhead line towers which will connect into the new 400kV Peterhead Substation. The coming months will see HITACHI on site for the installation of GIS and Gas Insulated Busbar (GIB) plant, new 275kV cable route from the new 400kV substation to the existing 275kV Peterhead substation. Our SGT supplier General Electric will have complete the installation, and commissioned both SGT’s and all Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) equipment will be installed. To view more images of progress on site please visit the "Photo gallery" on the "Project overview" section of the website. -
A90 Junction Improvement Works
To help facilitate the construction of Peterhead Substation and to ensure public safety, junction improvement works on the A90 road will be commencing on Monday 8th of November 2021. These improvement works are due to start on the A90 trunk road approximately 1.0 mile north of Stirling Village at the junction with the U66B at Newton of Sandford. The bellmouth of the A90 Junction is being widened on the Northbound approach to the U66 and the layby opposite the junction is being reconstructed to trunk road standard. To enable this, a temporary 30mph speed restriction and a three-way traffic light system will be in place for the duration of the works which are expected to be completed by 4:00pm on Friday, December 24, 2021. A map which shows 1 of 4 traffic managements layouts that may be in force during the works can be downloaded from the Project Documentation section of this website. -
Temporary 40mph Speed Restriction A90
In order to facilitate the construction of Peterhead Substation and to ensure public safety, a temporary 40mph speed restriction on the A90 Trunk road (Stirling to Invernettie Roundabout) will be in operation from 1 July 2021 until 16 December 2022. It is suggested that the existing A90/U66B junction presents a risk to construction traffic turning on to the A90 from the single track road. This is particularly the case for slow moving HGV’s which have limited acceleration. During the period of the construction works, substantial numbers of HGV traffic movements will be required in order to construct the substation platform and deliver HV electrical equipment for installation and commissioning. It is proposed that a 40mph temporary speed restriction is implemented to improve junction safety for construction traffic, and members of the public, during the construction phase. As the completed substation site will be predominantly unmanned during operation there is not expected to be an increase in traffic numbers associated with the development longer term hence the road will be returned to a 60mph speed limit at the end of the substation construction period. A map showing where the signage layout and speed restriction extents can be downloaded from the project documentation section of this website. -
Lendrum Road (South) Road Closure
To allow Balfour Beatty our Principal Contractor to safely to install the VS1 & VS2 132kV cable ducting, there will be a road closure on the Lendrum Road (South), U66B, Newton of Sandford, Peterhead from Monday 14th until Friday the 18th of June. Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles. Alba traffic management will be attending today to install the temporary signage and detour routes. Maps showing the closure and the diversion route that will be in place can be downloaded from the Project Documentation section of this website. -
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U66B Road Closure
To allow Balfour Beatty our Principal Contractor to safely undertake road crossings that are required for the project works, there will be a road closure on the U66B, Newton of Sandford, Peterhead from Tuesday 26th until Wednesday the 27th of January. Access will be maintained locally and for emergency vehicles. Road plates will be laid on Tuesday night to allow vehicles to pass in the interim of the works being completed on Wednesday. Maps showing the closure and the diversion route that will be in place can be downloaded from the Project Documentation section of this website. -
Site Compound Set Up
Our recently appointed Principal Contractor, Balfour Beatty, have completed pre contract public road widenings and will shortly commence the preparation works in setting up of the main site compound for the start of construction on the Peterhead substation project. The compound will be situated at Newton to A90T( AB42 3AJ) and we expect the set up to be complete in January 2021, this timeline takes into consideration a pause in the site compound set up works which will occur over the Christmas period. -
Public Road Improvements Begin
Ahead of construction of our recently consented 400kV substation in Peterhead, there will be a series of public road improvement works close to Newton of Sandford, Peterhead adjacent to the existing SSE Power Station. Please see below for further details and plan ahead accordingly during construction times. U66B C64B at Newfield to A90 Near Newton of Sandford Road closed with diversions in place from 3/8/2020 for twelve weeks. Access will be maintained for local residents only. For any queries regarding these works or the Peterhead 400kV substation, please contact our Community Liaison Manager, Gary Donlin at gary.donlin@sse.com -
Public Road Improvement Works
In August we will be beginning public road improvement works at our Peterhead 400kV substation site. These works are essential improvements to the local road network that will allow our team to begin construction of our site later in the year.We anticipate any disruption to the local area to be minimal, however we will communicate final details of our proposed works, including dates, in the coming weeks to all stakeholders.Should you have any concerns or queries then please do not hesitate to get in touch with the project Community Liaison Manager. -
Planning Application Determination
Following a full Aberdeenshire council meeting, SSEN have been granted permission to proceed with our proposed substation near Peterhead. We welcome this decision from Aberdeenshire Council and as a responsible developer, we will continue to engage with the local community before, during and after the construction of the substation, which is a critical piece of network infrastructure and will play an important part in the move to a low carbon economy. We will keep all stakeholders informed of timelines associated with the project as and when they become available. -
Peterhead Substation – Planning Applications submitted
SSEN has this week submitted a Section 37 planning application to the Scottish Governments Energy Consents Unit and a Town and Country Planning application to Aberdeenshire Council relating to our proposals to install a new 275/400kV substation at Peterhead and the Overhead Line works associated with this. All members of the public can view and submit comment on these applications by using the following links;Section 37 ApplicationReference -ECU00001807Website* - http://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationSearch.aspx *Please ensure to search under ‘planning authority’ when accessing the ECU website Advanced Search tab*Town & Country Planning ApplicationReference – APP/2019/0982Website - https://upa.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PQS20RCAIUC00Please do not hesitate to contact Community Liaison Manager - Gary Donlin - should you wish to discuss our proposals in further detail. -
Feedback Period Open
SSEN would like to thank all who took the time to attend our recent consultation events in Rothienorman, Keith, Peterhead and Kintore. It was fantastic to see such a great turn out from members of the local community and to hear their thoughts and concerns on our proposal for the North East Overhead Line upgrade from 275kV to 400kV and on our proposal for a new 400kV substation at Peterhead. Our deadline for feedback following these events is on the 7th of December and the project Community Liaison Manager will be discussing all submitted feedback with the project team over the coming weeks. Once we have done this we will be in touch with residents to provide a further update on the project, however in the meantime if you have any queries or issues then please do not hesitate to contact the project Community Liaison Manager, Gary Donlin, on 07384 798 101 or Gary.Donlin@sse.com
Public Consultation Event
SSEN will be visiting Peterhead on Wednesday 21st November to discuss our proposals for a new Substation with members of the public and local stakeholders.We will be in the Peterhead Rescue Hall, Prince Street, AB42 1QE between 14:00 and 19:00. We would love to meet with as many members of the local community as possible to discuss our proposals in more detail and to hear your thoughts and feedback on these. If you have any questions or queries on our event then please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Community Liaison Manager - Gary
Documents
Pathway to 2030 Projects - Additional Information
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diversion-route.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
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- 1.3 MB
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lendrum-road-south-road-closure.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 156.1 KB
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north-east-400kv-eastern-reinforcements-nov-2019.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 4.5 MB
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peterhead-news-ad.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 1.2 MB
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peterhead-substation-mail-drop-final-2.pdf
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- 18 September 2022
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- 137.3 KB
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road-closure.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 211.2 KB
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ssen-peterhead-400kv-substation-12pp-booklet-stage-1.pdf
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- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 900.5 KB
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temporary-signage-arrangement.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
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- 1.2 MB
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traffic-management-peterhead-a90.pdf
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- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 595.5 KB
Gallery
Progress Gallery
FAQs
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Latest Links
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Report on Consultation
Our Reports on Consultation across our three new overhead line projects and associated substation and convertor station developments have now been published. These reports provide a summary of the extensive feedback received during consultation, how this has been considered and confirmation of which routes and substations are now being taken forward to the next stage of development.
Our Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab.
Summary Reports on Consultation are also available for each of the three schemes and can be downloaded below:
- Summary Report on Consultation Spittal to Beauly
- Summary Report on Consultation Beauly to Peterhead
- Summary Report on Consultation Kintore to Tealing
A stakeholder webinar available for all to join will be held in the coming weeks to share the changes informed by the feedback. More information about the forthcoming webinar will be shared on our events page shortly.
In further recognition of community feedback, we will seek to rationalise cumulative infrastructure impacts through the removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines, where technically practical and appropriate, and subject to all necessary planning consents and landowner agreements.
Work to identify and assess potential sections of existing overhead line where their removal will reduce cumulative impacts is ongoing, with an update expected as part of the next round of public consultation on overhead line alignments and more detailed substation designs in early 2024.
We would once again like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to engage with our early consultation process. We will continue to engage with stakeholders ahead of consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine our proposals.
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Report on Consultation
Over the course of this year, we have undertaken extensive consultation on plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland and have received a considerable amount of feedback from a wide range of stakeholders regarding our proposals.
We recently advised in our next steps for 2030 network developments update that following assessment of consultation feedback and additional options analysis, we would publish our Report on Consultations (RoCs). These reports provide a summary of the feedback received and how it has been considered, which options we will take forward to the next stage of the development process and any changes to options initially consulted on.
It is our intention to publish the RoCs during the week commencing 27 November. All stakeholders signed up for updates on the project will receive a link to the report and we will also issue Summary Reports to help ensure accessibility.
These Report on Consultations mark the completion of the first round of non-statutory consultation, where we sought feedback on the corridor, route, and substation locations. We will be consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine the projects, therefore we welcome an open channel of communication and would like to reassure all stakeholders that there will be further opportunities to engage on this project.
Our Reports on Consultation and Summary Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab. -
SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for Pathway to 2030 network developments
We have announced our next steps for our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects. We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our teams and kindly taken the time to respond to our consultations.
Full details of the announcement can be found here:
Next steps for Pathway to 2030