SSEN Transmission has begun work to extend its New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire as part of a major programme to strengthen Scotland’s grid.
The upgrade will add four new connection bays to the existing site, which was first energised in 2019, to enable future renewable energy projects across the north of the country.
All work will take place within the existing footprint of the facility, the company said.
Balfour Beatty has been appointed as principal contractor and will work alongside Forres-based AJ Engineering and Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland. SSEN said the contracts underline its commitment to supporting local firms and jobs.
Director of onshore capital delivery Paul Cooley said: “The start of construction work at our existing New Deer Substation marks a significant step in our wider onshore Pathway to 2030 programme of transmission infrastructure for the north of Scotland.”
He added the project will support about 40 workers at peak and will “play a major role in connecting new renewable energy to the grid and help to transport clean energy to where it is needed.”
SSEN said the investment is part of its Pathway to 2030 programme, which will see at least £22bn invested in substations, overhead lines, and subsea and underground cables across the region.
Balfour Beatty managing director Tony Wilson said: “Our appointment is testament to our unrivalled expertise and the capability of our people.”
Global Infrastructure chief executive Iain Henderson said his company is “looking forward to playing a significant part in the successful delivery” of the scheme.