Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has announced it is proceeding with plans to reinforce its transmission network in Scotland.
The decision comes after the company, operating as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission), was given the green light by the system operator at National Grid in its annual Network Options Assessment (NAO) report.
The reinforcements are scheduled to take place in three stages. SSEN will first increase the capacity of the overhead lines running from Kintore to Kincardine by 2023.
They will then be upgraded, along with power lines running between Kintore and Blackhillock, Blackhillock and Peterhead via Rothienorman and Rothienorman and Kintore, to increase their operating voltages from 275kV to 400kV by 2026. New substations will be required at Alyth, Kintore and Rothienorman.
SSEN will complete the work programme with the installation of the proposed subsea high voltage direct current (HVDC) link from Peterhead to Hawthorn Pit in the north east of England by 2028.
The NAO report outlines the system operator’s recommendations for the optimal sequence and timing of investments proposed by the three transmission owners in Great Britain – National Grid Electricity Transmission, SHE Transmission and SP Transmission.
The recommendations are based on cost benefit analyses of the proposals under National Grid’s future energy scenarios. The work being undertaken by SSEN was deemed to be optimal in all four scenarios.
SSEN director of transmission David Gardner, said: “This is welcome news for our customers and energy consumers across the north of Scotland, helping alleviate grid constraints across our network as well as enhancing wider system security.
“Work is now underway to progress plans for the proposed reinforcements. As a responsible developer, we are committed to working closely with the local community and other interested parties as we take forward these reinforcements.”