SSEN Transmission has announced a series of 'Meet the Buyer' events ahead of the start of construction works on five new electricity substations as part of the 275kV Argyll electricity reinforcement project throughout the county.

Plans for five new substations are underway in Argyll to help support the increase in new renewable energy generation in the region, which means the electricity transmission infrastructure in the area needs to be upgraded and reinforced to help ensure security of energy supply and support the transition to net zero.

As future renewable generation connects to the electricity network and the operating voltage is required to increase to 275kV, substations along the proposed network route will also require to be replaced in order to accommodate this voltage increase. SSEN Transmission is therefore proposing to construct and operate five new 275kV electricity substations at An Suidhe, Crarae, Creag Dhubh, Craig Murrail and Crossaig North. Once the 275kV substations are constructed, the existing 132kV An Suidhe and Crarae Substations will be decommissioned and removed.

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SSEN Transmission along with their Principal Contractors Siemens BAM, BAM Nuttall and Balfour Beatty are hosting three Meet the Buyer events across Argyll, where local businesses are welcomed to attend these informal drop-in meetings. SSEN Transmission is committed to supporting local businesses and maximising opportunities to employ local staff and contractors where possible, and the 'Meet the Buyer' events are an opportunity to connect with businesses who could potentially complement the project's specialist construction teams.

The projects have the potential to create local business and employment opportunities in the following fields: civil engineering, accommodation, fencing, skip hire, catering, cleaning services and plant hire, with job opportunities for general operations workers, groundworkers, electricians and more.  Local businesses are invited to attend where they will have the chance to engage with SSEN Transmission and their principal contractors, find out more about the project, the skills required and the possible tenders on offer.

The events will take place as follows:

• An Suidhe, Crarae and Craig Murrail Substations:

Wednesday 24 January, 2pm – 6pm – Furnace Village Hall

• Crossaig North Substation:

Thursday 15 February, 2pm-6pm – Carradale Village Hall

• Creag Dhubh Substation:

Wednesday 6 March, 2pm-6pm – Dalmally Village Hall.