Aberdeenshire Council has approved plans for SSEN Transmission’s Netherton Hub, a major grid development west of Peterhead supporting UK clean power and energy security goals.
The project forms part of the company’s £22bn-plus investment programme and will host multiple substations, HVDC converter stations, and future-proofed transmission halls to enable the flow of renewable electricity across Scotland and beyond.
Construction is expected to begin early next year, following two years of development and extensive community consultation.
Alison Hall, director of development at SSEN Transmission, said: “We are delighted with today’s decision, allowing us to progress a world-leading energy hub helping unlock the homegrown low-carbon electricity generation required to help deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations.”
The development is forecast to contribute more than £54m in GVA during construction, alongside £2.5m in community benefit funding, with long-term jobs and housing legacy commitments also pledged.
Economic analysis suggests SSEN’s wider investment plans could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland and add £7bn in value to the national economy.