Overview
About the Project
In order to support the continued growth in onshore and offshore renewables across the north of Scotland, supporting the country's drive towards Net Zero, investment in network infrastructure is needed to connect this renewable power and transport it from source to areas of demand across the country.
Extensive studies have confirmed the need for a new 400kV connection between Kintore and Tealing, connecting into new 400kV substation sites at Hurlie in Fetteresso Forest and at Tealing (Emmock.) The existing overhead line between Kintore and Tealing is currently operating at 275kV, and cannot be upgraded to 400kV as the conductors would not be able to achieve safe clearance distances due to the size of the towers. The project includes the following elements:
- A new 400kV connection between Kintore and Hurlie
- A new 400kV connection between Hurlie and Tealing (Emmock)
- New 400kV substations at Hurlie and Tealing (Emmock)
This is part of the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 projects, a scheme consisting of several onshore reinforcement projects on the east coast of Scotland.
Find out more about Hurlie 400kV substation
Find out more about Tealing (Emmock) 400kV substation
This video outlines how the project contributes to our role in delivering Net Zero.
Pathway to 2030
The Pathway to 2030, published by National Grid ESO, the electricity system operator for Great Britain, sets the blueprint for the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to enable the forecasted growth in renewable electricity across Great Britain.
The projects identified within the Pathway to 2030 are critical to delivering the UK and Scottish Government’s offshore wind targets. To deliver these targets, we are investing over £20bn to upgrade the network infrastructure across the north of Scotland as the region plays a leading role in the clean energy transition.
As part of this investment, there is a requirement for a new 400kV connection between Kintore and Tealing.
Stakeholder Engagement
Public consultations took place in May 2023 to inform the community on progress to date with the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 Projects. We sought feedback from local communities and all interested parties on the interim preferred routes for the proposed Kintore - Tealing 400kV Overhead Line.
Access the 2023 Virtual Exhibition
In this video, Senior Project Manager Calum Grant describes the approach we are taking to develop our proposals and the opportunities that are available for stakeholders to feed into the design process. This process aims to progress towards an optimal site in a systematic manner, which is technically feasible, economically viable, and could be anticipated to cause the least disturbance to the environment and to those who live, work, and visit the area.
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.
The East Coast 400kV Phase 2 Upgrade Projects
The East Coast 400kV Phase 2 is a scheme consisting of several onshore reinforcement projects on the east coast of Scotland, comprising new and upgrade of existing infrastructure. The majority of the infrastructure projects are within our operational area in the north of Scotland.
To provide the full 400kV capability that the scheme intends to deliver, there are several projects that contribute to the full scheme:
- An extension to Kintore 400kV Substation (currently under construction)
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A new 400kV substation within the vicinity of the existing Fettersso substation
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A new 400kV substation within the vicinity of the existing Tealing substation
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A new 400kV connection between Kintore, Fetteresso and Tealing
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An upgrade to the existing Alyth - Tealing 275kV Overhead Line
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An upgrade to the existing Tealing - Westfield 275kV Overhead Line (to the Scottish Power Transmission operational border)
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Connection of the upgraded Alyth - Tealing and Tealing - Westfield Overhead Lines into the proposed Tealing Substation
Find out more about Kintore 400kV substation
Find out more about Hurlie 400kV substation
Find out more about Emmock (Tealing) 400kV substation
Project Updates
Featured updates
Featured updates for this project
Project updates
Documents
March 2024 public consultation documents
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Refined route maps combined February 2024
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- Date:
- 01 July 2024
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- 8.5 MB
These maps provide information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within the project, produced 22 February 2024.
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Proposed D Route Environmental Constraints Maps.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 10.2 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within Section D, produced 20 February 2024.
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Proposed E Routes Environmental Constraints Maps.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 7.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within Section E, produced 20 February 2024.
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Proposed F Routes Environmental Constraints Maps.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 March 2024
- Size:
- 7.7 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the environmental constraints present within Section F, produced 20 February 2024.
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Fig_4_1_Proposed_D_Route_Options.pdf
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- Date:
- 29 February 2024
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- 5.3 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the route options within Section D, produced 19 February 2024.
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Fig_4_2_Proposed_E_Route_Options.pdf
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- Date:
- 29 February 2024
- Size:
- 4.1 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the route options within Section E, produced 19 February 2024.
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Fig_4_3_Proposed_F_Route_Options.pdf
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- Date:
- 29 February 2024
- Size:
- 4 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the route options within Section F, produced 19 February 2024.
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Overall refined route map – sections A-F.pdf
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- Date:
- 23 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.8 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within the project, produced 20 February 2024.
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Section A refined route map (Tealing to Forfar).pdf
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- Date:
- 23 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within Section A, produced 22 February 2024.
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Section B refined route map (Forfar to Brechin).pdf
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- Date:
- 23 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within Section B, produced 22 February 2024.
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Section C refined route map (Brechin to Laurencekirk).pdf
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- Date:
- 23 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within Section C, produced 22 February 2024.
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Section D refined route map (Laurencekirk to the proposed Hurlie substation (at Fetteresso)).pdf
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- Date:
- 23 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within Section D, produced 22 February 2024.
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Section E refined route map (Proposed Hurlie substation to River Dee).pdf
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- Date:
- 23 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within Section E, produced 22 February 2024.
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Section F refined route map (River Dee to Kintore ).pdf
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- Date:
- 23 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.8 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the refined route options within Section F, produced 22 February 2024.
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Kintore to Tealing Consultation Document New Route Selection February 2024.pdf
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- Date:
- 21 February 2024
- Size:
- 12.4 MB
This Route Consultation Document (and associated appendices/maps) explains the project need and summarises the process which has been followed to arrive at these new route options. It forms part of the consultation exercise which provides all interested parties with the opportunity to provide feedback. Produced February 2024.
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Proposed route
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- Date:
- 19 February 2024
- Size:
- 5.4 MB
This map provides information to our stakeholders about the proposed route options within the project, produced 12 February 2024.
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March 2024 OHL update pamphlet.pdf
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- Date:
- 19 February 2024
- Size:
- 1.8 MB
This document provides an update to our stakeholders about the project, produced March 2024.
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March 2024 new routes public consultation booklet.pdf
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- Date:
- 19 February 2024
- Size:
- 7.4 MB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about the new routes in Sections D, E and F and was provided during our consultation in March 2024.
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March 2024 consultation times
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- Date:
- 19 February 2024
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- 141.3 KB
This document provides information to our stakeholders about our consultation events in March 2024.
Reports on Consultation
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Report on Consultation Engagement Slides - Kintore to Tealing and substations.pdf
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- Date:
- 15 December 2023
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- 7.1 MB
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Report on Consultation - Kintore to Tealing 400kV OHL.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 4.4 MB
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RoC - Kintore to Tealing - Figure 4.2 - Route options being taken forward to alignment.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
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Summary ROC - Kintore to Tealing.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
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Figure A4.1 Section A.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
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- 2.5 MB
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Figure A4.2 Section B1.1.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
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Figure A4.3 Section C.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
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Figure A4.4 Section D.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
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Figure A4.5 Section E.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
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Figure A4.6 Section F.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 2.6 MB
Pathway to 2030 Projects - Additional Information
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Routeing Overhead Lines - May 24
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- Date:
- 17 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.1 MB
This document describes our approach to routeing overhead lines, including our optioneering process, how we assess options and who we consult with
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EMF Leaflet.pdf
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- Date:
- 17 May 2024
- Size:
- 18.5 MB
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How stakeholder feedback influences our proposals - May 24
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- Date:
- 17 May 2024
- Size:
- 3.4 MB
This document describes the typical engagement activities we hold with a range of different stakeholders, how you can influence the current stage of our projects, the type of feedback we are currently seeking and next steps.
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The challenges with undergrounding at 400kV - May 2024
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- Date:
- 16 May 2024
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- 2.9 MB
We are often asked why our new Pathway to 2030 400kV connection projects cannot all be delivered via an underground cable instead of an overhead line. This paper explores some of the technical and engineering, operational, environmental and economic challenges associated with underground cabling which need to be carefully considered.
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Planning Applications under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
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- Date:
- 15 May 2024
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- 3.2 MB
The main legislation that governs the consenting of our substation and converter station projects is the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. This document describes the pre-application process including consultation, our environmental assessments and our planning application submission and how this is determined.
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Why the Pathway to 2030 projects require both onshore and offshore solutions.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
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- 2.5 MB
We are regularly asked why our Pathway to 2030 transmission network upgrades cannot all be delivered offshore via subsea links. This document explains some of the many factors that drive the need for both onshore and offshore solutions.
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Working with landowners and occupiers - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 8.2 MB
We recognise landowners and occupiers as key stakeholders in the development of our projects. This document details what happens if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached, concerns about impact on properties, following legal frameworks, biosecurity, and irrigation.
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The Section 37 Consent Process - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 1.7 MB
The legislation governing the consenting of overhead line projects in Scotland is the Electricity Act 1989. Applications for consent to construct and operate new overhead lines are made under Section 37 of this Act and are referred to as “Section 37 Consents”. You can find out more about this process in this document.
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Protecting Private Water Supplies - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 7.2 MB
Construction works and site investigation have the potential to impact on private water supplies (PWS) and we know that this can be a concern to occupants. This document outlines the activities we undertake to identify and protect PWS.
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Pathway to 2030- Why are these projects needed - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
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- 4 MB
We receive a lot of queries about the need for our Pathway to 2030 projects. This document sets out some of the policies and targets driving the need for investment in new clean power and the electricity transmission network that is required to enable this. It also explains the electricity network planning processes that have established the need for these reinforcements.
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Pathway to 2030 - Tower Crossings - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
In this document you can learn more about the composition of our 400kV towers, and the approach we take when our overhead lines must cross existing assets.
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Delivering Legacy Benefits through Pathway to 2030 Projects - May 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 6.9 MB
This document details how this investment programme will ensure a reliable supply of electricity, lead to thousands of jobs across the region, a programme of skills development ensuring a workforce fit for the future and place multi-million-pound contracts with the local supply chain benefitting local communities.
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Biodiversity Net Gain - Handout - April 24.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 May 2024
- Size:
- 1.2 MB
We will always look to minimise the potential impacts from our activities and achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This document explains our approach and includes some examples of initiatives carried out at our sites.
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Delivering a Postive Environmental Legacy Booklet
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- Date:
- 12 February 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
This booklet describes our approach to leaving a positive environmental legacy, including our marine biodiversity approach.
May 2023 public consultation documents
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East Coast 400kV Phase 2 Initial consultation feedback response June 2023
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- Date:
- 13 June 2023
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- 314.8 KB
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Consultation Document Route Selection
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- Date:
- 11 May 2023
- Size:
- 34 MB
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Consultation Document Corridor Selection
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- Date:
- 09 May 2023
- Size:
- 9.4 MB
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May 2023 public consultation information booklet
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- Date:
- 19 April 2023
- Size:
- 19.4 MB
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Route sections A-F constraint maps
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- Date:
- 19 April 2023
- Size:
- 24.4 MB
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Corridor options
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 4.4 MB
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Fiddes substation site selection
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 4.2 MB
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Preferred corridor
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
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- 5.6 MB
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Preferred route
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 5.3 MB
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Route options
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 5.4 MB
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Route options section A
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 4.4 MB
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Route options section B
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 5.8 MB
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Route options section C
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 6 MB
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Route options section D
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
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- 4.5 MB
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Route options section E
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 6.1 MB
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Route options section F
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 6.3 MB
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Tealing substation site selection
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- Date:
- 18 April 2023
- Size:
- 4.4 MB
Project documents
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Delivering a positive environmental legacy
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- Date:
- 28 April 2023
- Size:
- 5 MB
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2023 Public Consultation Times
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- Date:
- 06 April 2023
- Size:
- 147.2 KB
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Grantors Charter
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- Date:
- 15 March 2023
- Size:
- 176.2 KB
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East Coast 400kV Phase Information Booklet
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- Date:
- 13 December 2022
- Size:
- 4.4 MB
FAQs
Who we are
About the Pathway to 2030 projects
Our approach to routeing and public consultation
Environmental considerations
Communities and landowner considerations
Cost and engineering considerations
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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