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SSEN Transmission has welcomed planning approval for their proposal to upgrade their existing 275kV overhead line, running from Kintore in Aberdeenshire to Scottish Power Energy Network's boundary at Blairingone, a distance of 168km, to enable it to operate at 400kV.
To enable operation at the increased voltage of 400kV, the overhead line upgrade will increase capacity of the existing line to allow for the connection of renewable energy projects, supporting growth as part of the green economic recovery and the journey to net zero emissions. The upgrades will also help to strengthen local security of supply and increase overall network resilience in the region.
Commenting on the key milestone for project, Project Manager, Alan Ferguson, said: "We welcome the decision by the Scottish Ministers to grant consent for this essential upgrade, which will play a key role in reinforcing the network in the region and support the connection of new renewable electricity.
"We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views. This feedback has been essential in developing the final proposals. We will continue to engage with the local communities ahead of commencement of work and look forward to working with them closely as we progress with the upgrade to this critical piece of network infrastructure."
Work on the project is expected to commence in February next year and will involve the replacement of conductors, insulators and fittings on the existing steel lattice towers. Where required, the existing towers will be reinforced including steelwork and tower foundation work to support the new heavier conductors.
The East Coast 400kV overhead line upgrade is the second part of phased onshore reinforcement on the East Coast – the first part is the East Coast Onshore 275kV Upgrade which is currently ongoing. These onshore reinforcements comprise of works on existing infrastructure in both the SSEN Transmission and Scottish Power Transmission (SPT) areas, with the majority of the works in the SSEN Transmission area.
