SSEN Transmission is inviting members of the public to share views on plans to further increase the capacity of Scotland’s east coast transmission network.
These works are required to help enable the connection of renewable energy from across the north of Scotland.
The East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme is part of a Britain-wide programme of reinforcements required to deliver government 2030 targets.
The East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme involves establishing a new 400kV overhead line (OHL) between Kintore and Tealing via Fiddes.
This also requires two new 400kV substations to be constructed at Fiddes and Tealing to enable future connections and export routes to areas of demand.
In addition, existing 275kV overhead lines from Tealing to both Alyth and also to Westfield in SP Transmission’s network require upgrading to 400kV operation.
SSEN Transmission is inviting feedback on the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme’s potential route options and substation site locations.
These route options and substation locations have been determined following detailed assessments and studies and initial input from stakeholders.
SSEN Transmission is now looking for feedback on these potential route options, which will inform more detailed alignments for the new overhead electricity transmission line; as well as locations for the potential substation developments.
SSEN Transmission’s consultation specifically seeks feedback on potential overhead line routes and substation site locations at Fiddes and Tealing.
This will allow the consideration of stakeholder feedback and the potential to recognise other route options that may have been discounted initially, or which may not have been identified.
SSEN Transmission lead project manager Calum Grant said: “The new overhead line from Kintore to Tealing is part of a Great Britain wide programme of upgrades to our critical national electricity transmission network infrastructure that is key to help achieve UK and Scottish government 2030 targets, helping deliver a pathway to Net Zero and secure the country’s future energy independence.
“We’ve carried out extensive studies to determine our initial proposals so far, which has involved adopting sophisticated digital technology to identify corridor options from Kintore, and the proposed sites at Fiddes and Tealing.
“We are seeking feedback on our initial proposals for the new overhead line between Kintore and Tealing, with this local feedback and expertise key to helping us further refine our plans and inform more detailed route alignments for the project.
“As a stakeholder-led business, we will be working closely with the local community and wider stakeholders to help inform the ongoing development of this project and encourage anyone with an interest in our proposals to visit us at one of our consultation events to share their views, which will be carefully considered as we further refine our plans.”