The new Kinardochy Substation in Highland Perthshire has been fully energised this month following 30 months of construction.

Located three miles from Tummel Bridge, the substation will play a key role in reaching net zero following dedicated work from project teams from SSEN Transmission and their principal contractor Siemens BAM.

The substation is crucial in ensuring voltage limits on the transmission network remain stable and power flows can be efficiently managed, allowing for the connection of new renewable generation to the grid and helping to enable the transition to net zero emissions.

SSEN Transmission Project Manager Muhammed Saeed Chaudhary said: "As guests in the area, this project would not have been possible without the support and understanding of the local community, and we're so pleased we've been able to support a whole range of community projects and initiatives throughout the construction of Kinardochy.

"Reaching full energisation is a massive achievement, and can be attributed to the expertise, dedication and commitment from all of our contractors and delivery partners which has been invaluable throughout this project.

"As a team we're immensely proud of the role we're playing to help reach Net Zero and this significant milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication and collaborative efforts of all team members involved.

“We're now turning to the final stages of work which involves removing the site cabins and equipment, fencing and tree planting and we'll do everything we can to keep any disruption to a minimum and keep the local community informed of our progress."

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Built to an operating capacity of 275 kilovolts (kV), the substation has been designed so that it can be increased to 400kV in the future with minimal operational changes.

The new substation connects into the existing Beauly-Denny overhead line, which is set to be upgraded to a double-circuit 400kV line as part of SSEN Transmission's Pathway to 2030 programme - a £20bn programme of electricity transmission projects set to be carried out across the north of Scotland.

The newly constructed platform at Kinardochy has also been sized to ensure that any additional equipment can be constructed with minimal future works required.

Building the new Kinardochy Substation involved installing new 275 kV double busbar gas insulated switchgear (GIS) and reactive compensation equipment.

The project also included the installation of a new 195-tonne static compensation transformer (SCT) - the largest component in the substation build - which required a specialist haulier with a 24-axle vehicle to safely deliver it from Dundee Quay to its final location at Kinardochy Substation.

Careful consideration has been taken to preserve the scenic area in which Kinardochy substation is located, with the substation itself built into the slope of the land so it is naturally screened by the landscape.

Throughout construction of the project the team were careful to manage any environmental impacts during the build, with extensive work carried out to make sure that the project had minimal impact on the scenic area.

Further screening bunds have been constructed using natural material excavated from the work area to minimise the visual impact of the substation. Now the majority of major construction work is completed, the site will now be replanted with over 10,000 native trees as well as seeded with local wildflowers.

This will not only help to screen the site and mitigate its visual impact, but also encourage greater biodiversity in the area, allowing local flora and fauna to flourish in line with SSEN Transmission's commitment to deliver biodiversity net gain on all projects.

A section of trees to the north of the work area has also been retained to provide additional screening while the new plantings are given time to mature.

The project has been delivered following extensive engagement with the local community and stakeholder groups, working closely to help support local initiatives wherever possible.

Since construction began, teams have donated to local foodbanks in Pitlochry, planted native trees at Dun Coillich community woodland, donated spare road materials to improve access at the local sailing club, and contributed towards a new tent for the organisers of the Kinloch Rannoch Gathering.

The team is also making a £2,000 contribution to this year's Christmas lights display fund in the nearby village of Aberfeldy in a further show of support for the local community.

Learn more about the Kinardochy Substation project on SSEN Transmission’s website here.